Trump Holds First 2024 Campaign Rally in Waco

Facts

• Former Pres. Donald Trump on Saturday took the stage in Waco, Texas for the first rally of his 2024 presidential campaign. During his speech, he railed against a host of investigations into him that are taking place across the country.¹
• Trump told his supporters they “will be vindicated and proud” when the “thugs and criminals who are corrupting our justice system will be defeated, discredited and totally disgraced.”¹
• Currently, the Manhattan district attorney’s office is investigating Trump for a bookkeeping error related to his alleged payment of hush funds to an adult film actress prior to the 2016 election, while a federal special counsel is looking into his handling of documents as well as the aftermath of the 2020 election, and Georgia prosecutors are also looking at his actions after the 2020 election.²
• Earlier last week, Trump claimed on social media that the Manhattan District Attorney was preparing to arrest him, but no arrest has occurred. The former president also urged his supporters to protest in his favor.³
• Trump also devoted part of his speech to criticism of Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis — often seen as Trump’s stiffest competition for the Republican presidential nomination. Trump described DeSantis as disloyal and claimed that Florida was doing well before DeSantis became governor.⁴
• The airport grounds in Waco where Trump held the rally sit not far from the site where the FBI raided the Branch Davidians religious sect’s compound 30 years ago. The raid, which resulted in 86 deaths, is a source of resentment against the government for many far-right groups; Trump’s campaign denied a connection between the rally and the anniversary.⁵

Sources: ¹Associated Press, ²Reuters, ³USA Today, ⁴Guardian, and ⁵Al Jazeera.

Narratives

• Pro-Trump narrative, as provided by Daily Caller. Trump made the case for his innocence forcefully in the face of Biden and Democrats weaponizing the Justice Department to hurt the former president’s chances at returning to the White House. The Deep State has been colluding against Trump for years and the next election will be a chance to finally defeat it and preserve the US.
• Democratic narrative, as provided by MSNBC. Trump’s rhetoric has dangerously riled up hatred of the US government and those investigating him — even leading to a death threat against Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg. Trump made things worse by choosing Waco, which was a clear message that he aligns with the militia movement and its dangerous anti-government conspiracy theories. Trump's recklessness could lead to even more violence.