Donald Trump returned to the campaign trail in Florida on Tuesday, delivering a rambling 75-minute speech filled with baseless accusations and personal attacks on Joe Biden, but failing to announce his vice-presidential pick ahead of the Republican National Convention.
Speaking to a crowd of several hundred supporters at his golf club in Doral, the former president repeated false claims about the 2020 election, alleged without evidence that foreign countries send prisoners to the US, and asserted that Biden had quadrupled the price of bacon. He also made surreal claims about electric cars requiring three-hour recharges after 45 minutes of driving.
Trump challenged Biden to an 18-hole golf match at Doral, offering a 10-stroke handicap and pledging $1m to a charity of Biden's choice if he lost. He also promised to build an 'iron dome' missile defence system for the US if elected in November.
The event, which started over an hour late in 90F heat, saw a subdued crowd, with some supporters yawning and looking at their phones. Trump's campaign had hinted at a possible vice-presidential announcement, but he only referenced Florida senator Marco Rubio, who was present, without confirming his selection.
