Former President Donald Trump suggested he may run again in 2024 during the keynote address at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Sunday (February 28). The speech was Trump's first public address since leaving office.
Trump used the high-profile address as a chance to reassert control over the Republican Party, which appears to be splitting into two factions, those who support the former president and those who wish to distance themselves from him. Trump vowed to unite the party under his leadership.
"We are not starting new parties, they kept saying 'he's going to start a brand new party' we have the Republican Party, it's going to unite and be stronger than ever before -- I am not starting a new party, that was fake news," Trump told the crowd.
Trump hinted that he throw his hat in the ring and run again in 2024.
"Who knows -- I may even decide to beat them for a third time," he said as the crowd burst into applause.
Trump also used his speech to tear into President Joe Biden, who has been in office for just over a month.
"Joe Biden has had the most disastrous first month of any president in modern history," Trump said.
"In one short month, we have gone from America First to America Last," Trump added.
He hit Biden on immigration policy, warning that his policies will create new problems at the U.S.-Mexico border.
"By recklessly eliminating our border, security measures, controls, all the things we put into place, Joe Biden has triggered a massive flood of illegal immigration into our country like we've never seen before," he said.
Trump blasted Biden for failing to deliver on his promise to reopen schools across the country.
"Joe Biden has shamefully betrayed America's youth, and he is cruelly keeping our children locked in their homes, no reason for it whatsoever," he said. "On behalf of all the moms and dads, I call on Joe Biden to open the schools and get them open now."
Trump said the Republicans must work together to "create a future of good jobs, strong families, safe communities."
"The mission of our movement and the Republican party must be to create a future of good jobs, strong families, safe communities, a vibrant culture, and a great nation for all Americans, and that's what we are creating," Trump said.
Trump remains popular with attendees at CPAC, winning the presidential straw poll with 55% of the vote. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis came in second place with 21% and won a poll that did not include Trump.
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