Key events
Donald Trump has concluded his address at CPAC, delivering a lengthy tirade filled with numerous falsehoods about voter fraud, election integrity, and foreign policies, lasting approximately 75 minutes.
He kicked off his speech by targeting “the fraudsters, liars, globalists, and deep-state bureaucrats” whom he claims are being ousted.
Moving forward, he referenced a string of polls where he claims to be ahead: “Rasmussen just released results showing a 56% insider advantage, 56% from RMG research… Many polls have him in the mid-60s, one even at 71%. We’re excited about that,” he stated. However, he conveniently overlooked a recent Gallup poll indicating a six-point deficit – with 51% of Americans disapproving of his actions compared to 45% who approved.
Trump then transitioned to attacking immigrants, proclaiming: “I couldn’t bear it! … That problem is no longer ours.” Contradictory reports surfaced yesterday regarding the White House redistributing the top official at US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to their slower-than-anticipated rate of arrests and deportations.
He presented a list highlighting millions within the Social Security database lacking demise records, an issue recognized for over ten years. An inspector general’s report disclosed that just 13 individuals older than 112 were receiving any benefits as of 2013.
While discussing the ongoing Gaza conflict, Trump asserted that Joe Biden had brought back “zero” hostages held by Hamas. “Biden got none, just to clarify, none, zero,” he claimed, even though 105 hostages were released in a ceasefire agreement facilitated by Biden’s administration in November 2023.
At one point, recalling his desires for territorial acquisition, Trump averred: “I don’t aspire to conquer,” even as he mentioned intentions to secure Greenland and make Canada the 51st state while reclaiming the Panama Canal.
Regardless of the inaccuracies, the audience within the CPAC venue in National Harbor, Maryland enthusiastically cheered for Trump.
In his closing statement, he declared, “I have yet to truly engage in this fight, and neither have you.” Just before leaving the stage, Trump couldn’t resist returning to his classic routine – merrily dancing to Village People’s “YMCA.”
Donald Trump has wrapped up his CPAC address.
He concluded his approximately 75-minute speech by dancing to “YMCA” while in front of an exuberant crowd of supporters.
During his remarks regarding the Gaza conflict, Trump asserted that Joe Biden had secured “zero” hostages held by Hamas.
“Biden did not get any back, just so you understand, none, zero,” Trump claimed.
In reality, 105 hostages were released as part of a ceasefire agreement negotiated by Biden’s administration in November 2023.
Donald Trump is currently discussing the possibility of ending the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, asserting: “We’re getting our money back.”
He added, “The U.S. has provided $350 billion due to an ineffectual president and administration… Europe provided it as a loan, expecting their repayment. We offered aid without strings attached. Therefore, I wish for Europe to reimburse us for this expenditure. My goal is to bring an end to this war, and I demand from them rare earth minerals and oil, anything feasible.”
From claims of Ukraine’s responsibility for the war to inaccuracies concerning funding received from the U.S. and Europe, Trump has recently made several misleading statements, while lauding the advancements in U.S.-Russia discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Guardian analyzed his assertions:
Recently, Trump highlighted the existence of a large number of individuals within the Social Security database for whom the agency lacks death records.
“During our administration, we will exhibit zero tolerance towards Social Security fraud. We will not permit anyone to deceive our seniors, and those caught will be prosecuted by our attorney general, Pam Bondi, and others,” he said.
However, it should be noted that this issue has been known for over a decade. An inspector general’s report revealed that only 13 individuals over the age of 112 were receiving any benefits as of 2013.
Contributions to this post by The Guardian’s Robert Mackey
Joseph Gedeon
Donald Trump is delivering his speech at CPAC, and the main hall is notably packed.
The atmosphere resembles more of a rock concert than a political event, as every statement from Trump garners significant applause, cheers, and laughter.
Trump playfully suggested nicknames for his predecessor Joe Biden, inviting the audience to cheer for “Crooked Joe” before switching to “Sleepy Joe,” ultimately concluding that “Crooked Joe” won the crowd’s favor.
In the back, a group of rowdy pardoned January 6 rioters demanded acknowledgment from Trump, though their cause remains unaddressed during his speech.
Trump is commending his close ally, Elon Musk, who currently holds the title of the richest person globally.
“He’s doing an outstanding job despite not needing this … but he’s a true patriot,” Trump remarked.
On Thursday, Musk celebrated their initiative aimed at slashing the federal workforce by hundreds of thousands.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk, who leads the “department of government efficiency,” mentioned:
All federal employees will soon receive an email requesting details on their accomplishments from the last week. Neglecting to respond will be interpreted as a resignation.
Trump returned to the topic of immigration, passionately stating: “I couldn’t take it!” followed by, “Donald, don’t lose your temper.”
“I couldn’t bear it, so I declared my candidacy for president once more, and now we no longer face that issue. It’s under control now,” he asserted.
In contradiction, reports emerged the day before regarding the White House’s reassignment of the top official at ICE due to a slower-than-expected pace of arrests and deportations.
