Donald Trump has promised “judgment day” for his political opponents and pledged the largest deportation in US history if he wins the November election, in an address that offered a chilling vision of a second term. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland, the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination styled himself as a “proud political dissident” and accused Joe Biden of weaponising the government with “Stalinist show trials”.
“For hard-working Americans, November 5 will be our new liberation day,” Trump told a packed ballroom. “But for the liars and cheaters and fraudsters and censors and imposters who have commandeered our government, it will be their judgment day!” He added: “Your victory will be our ultimate vindication… the unprecedented success of the United States of America will be my ultimate and absolute revenge.”
The 77-year-old appeared unbound and at times unhinged, mixing jokes with dark warnings. He parodied Joe Biden’s speaking style and gait, earning roars of laughter, and shouted: “Crooked Joe Biden, you are fired!” Yet the comedy smuggled in a sinister undertow, as he painted a grim picture of an America overrun by bloodshed and chaos. “The only thing standing between you and its obliteration is me,” he declared.
A straw poll at the conference for Trump’s running mate saw South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy tied at 15%, followed by Tulsi Gabbard, Elise Stefanik, and Tim Scott. Nikki Haley came last at 2%. Trump’s appearance was his 14th at CPAC, breaking a record held by Ronald Reagan.
The former president, facing 91 criminal charges, projected himself as both martyr and saviour. Speaking days after the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, he hinted at a self-comparison. The CPAC audience rose solemnly for a rendition of the national anthem sung by defendants jailed for their roles in the 6 January 2021 insurrection.
