26th March 2023 – (Washington) As the legal threats continue to loom over former US President Donald Trump, he used his recent rally in Waco, Texas, to focus on attacking the prosecutors investigating him. Trump employed conspiratorial language to energise his supporters, accusing the investigations of being “something straight out of the Stalinist Russia horror show.” Attendees at the rally flashed signs saying “WITCH HUNT,” highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Trump faces investigations for campaign finance violations and allegations of hoarding top-secret documents and plotting to overturn the 2020 election. The rally took place as the city marked the 30th anniversary of a raid by federal agents on the Branch Davidians religious sect, which resulted in 86 deaths, including four law-enforcement officers.
Apart from his attacks on law enforcement and prosecutors, Trump also spoke about his efforts to secure the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential race. He faces competition from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and there are signs that his support may be softening in places like New Hampshire, an early primary battleground. Trump accused DeSantis of planning to slash social security, a statement that may have swayed some of his supporters.
Trump’s escalating rhetoric has alienated some within his own party, including Republican strategist Ron Bonjean, who said that “Trump is walking on a high wire without a net, telegraphing that he has nothing to lose and is willing to risk dangerous outcomes to rally support.” Despite Trump’s calls for his supporters to take to the streets to protest his possible indictment in the Manhattan case, this rally only drew several thousand people. While the atmosphere was festive, some rallygoers struggled with the heat, and there were no reports of trouble.
Trump’s speech was largely devoted to prosecuting old grievances and making extreme claims about his enemies. He repeated the false claim that his election loss in 2020 was due to systemic fraud orchestrated by the Democrats. Trump warned of “demonic forces” trying to demolish the country, claiming that it was at risk of falling into a “lawless abyss” unless he is voted back into the White House. He even described some American officials and senior U.S. politicians as a greater threat to America than China or Russia.