Trump laces showmanship with malice in sinister vision of second term in power
The Guardian|February 26, 2024
Donald Trump styled himself as a "proud political dissident" and promised "judgment day" for political opponents in a weekend address that offered a vision of a democracy in imminent peril.
David Smith
Trump laces showmanship with malice in sinister vision of second term in power

The frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination accused Joe Biden of weaponising the government against him with "Stalinist show trials" and pledged to crack down on border security and deliver the biggest deportation in US history if he wins the 5 November election.

"For hard-working Americans, November 5th will be our new liberation day," Trump told a packed ballroom at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at National Harbor in Maryland on Saturday night.

"But for the liars and cheaters and fraudsters and censors and imposters who have commandeered our government, it will be their judgment day," Trump said.

He added: "Your victory will be our ultimate vindication, your liberty will be our ultimate reward and the unprecedented success of the United States of America will be my ultimate and absolute revenge."

The overwhelmingly white crowd, many wearing Make America Great Again regalia, rose to their feet and roared their approval.

The former US president was speaking hours before he eased to victory over his Republican rival Nikki Haley in the South Carolina primary, making him all but certain to be the party nominee. His 60% to 40% victory in Haley's home state, following wins in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada, moved the nomination even further out of her reach.

Trump's visit marked his 14th appearance at CPAC-an annual conference attended by conservative activists and elected officials from across the US and beyond.

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