Donald Trump has formally announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, a move that is expected to deepen political divisions in the United States. Speaking from the ballroom of his Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida, the twice-impeached former president declared, 'In order to make America great and glorious again, I am tonight announcing my candidacy for president of the United States.' He vowed to defeat Joe Biden, stating that 'America’s golden age is just ahead.'
The announcement comes nearly two years after the January 6 Capitol riot, which Trump was accused of inciting. It also follows disappointing midterm results for Republicans, who failed to secure a Senate majority and are on track for only a narrow House majority. Trump's standing within his party has been questioned, with rival Ron DeSantis emerging as a strong contender after his re-election as Florida governor.
Trump brushed aside criticism and legal troubles, including investigations into his handling of classified documents and his role in the Capitol attack. He portrayed himself as a victim of political persecution, saying, 'I’m a victim.' In his hour-long speech, he painted a bleak picture of the US under Biden, citing 'blood-soaked' streets and an 'invasion' at the southern border, and promised a 'national greatness agenda' including the death penalty for drug dealers and term limits for Congress.
The announcement coincided with the release of Mike Pence's memoir, in which the former vice-president criticises Trump's conduct on January 6. Pence is also considering a 2024 run. Despite internal party dissent, Trump insisted he is the only candidate who can deliver a Republican victory, calling his campaign a 'quest to save our country.'
