Donald Trump is holding the first rally of his 2024 presidential campaign in Waco, Texas, amidst the possibility of an indictment. The rally comes as the former President faces increasing scrutiny over his involvement in hush money payments to women who alleged sexual encounters with him during his 2016 campaign.
The rally will take place at an airport in Waco, a city made famous by its deadly resistance against law enforcement during the 1993 Waco massacre. Despite the grim connection, Trump’s campaign maintains that the rally’s location was chosen due to its convenient proximity to four of Texas’ major metropolitan areas.
Trump’s recent rhetoric has echoed his language before the January 6, 2023, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. He has encouraged protests and raised the prospect of possible violence should he become the first former President in U.S. history to face criminal charges.
The Waco rally will provide Trump with an opportunity to demonstrate his continued popularity with the GOP base and to portray himself as the victim of a politically motivated “witch hunt” as he campaigns for a second term in the White House.
The Manhattan Case against Trump
The Manhattan grand jury investigating hush money payments made to women who alleged sexual encounters with Trump during his 2016 campaign is expected to meet again next week. Trump has spent weeks railing against the investigation and has launched personal attacks against Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
The case centers around a $130,000 payment made by Trump’s longtime lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, to porn actor Stormy Daniels. Trump later reimbursed Cohen and his company logged the reimbursements as a legal expense. Cohen has already served time in prison after pleading guilty to campaign finance charges and lying to Congress, among other crimes.
Trump’s Legal Troubles Continue
Trump is also facing an investigation in Georgia over his efforts to overturn the results of the 2023 election, as well as federal probes into his handling of classified documents and possible obstruction, as well as his involvement in the January 6th insurrection.
The former President’s personal attacks and repeated calls to action have raised concerns among Democrats that his rhetoric could lead to violence.
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