In his first public speech since leaving office, former President Trump told the audience at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) that he would not start a third party because “we have the Republican Party.”
Why it matters: The former president intends to confirm himself as the “supposed candidate in 2024” of the Republicans, as his leading candidates – including former members of his government – face the challenge of standing up to the GOP’s most popular politician.
- Trump made it clear he was not going anywhere and treated his CPAC speech as one of his MAGA rallies, bouncing around on topics, violating political opponents and listing protracted grievances.
- After Trump predicted that President Biden ‘would definitely lose the White House four years earlier’, he said he might run again in 2024, reiterating the false claim that he won the 2020 election: ‘Actually, like you know, they only have the White House. Who knows, I might even decide to beat them a third time, okay? ‘
- “This election is knee-jerk,” Trump falsely claimed before calling for major restrictions on voter turnout and absenteeism.
- Because he could no longer do that on Twitter, Trump spent much of his speech questioning election and fueling the same anger that led to the 1/6 violence at the Capitol.
What to look for: 2024 contenders like Mike Pompeo, Nikki Haley and Mike Pence – two of whom skipped CPAC this year – will have to throw their hat in the ring sooner than their potential challengers.
- The former Trump administration officials no longer have the public platform needed to stay relevant on a daily basis.
Trump’s ridiculous language and refusal to sit back also further contributes to the factions we see taking up in the IDP.
- Mitch McConnell had to eat crows after getting Trump beaten by a pack following his sharp remarks about the former president’s role in the January 6 attack on the Capitol. The minority leader has said he will “absolutely” support Trump if he is the 2024 Republican nominee.
- Mitt Romney, probably Trump’s biggest GOP opponent in Congress, said this week that Trump would probably win the nomination in 2024 if he were elected.