Former US President Donald Trump held his first campaign rally after announcing his candidacy for president in the 2024 election at an event in Waco, Texas on March 25, 2023. During the rally, Trump criticized the prosecutors investigating him for alleged campaign finance violations related to hush money paid to an adult film actress before the 2016 election. He used conspiratorial language to fire up his supporters ahead of next year’s Republican primary elections, calling the investigations “something straight out of the Stalinist Russia horror show.” Many attendees held signs reading “WITCH HUNT.”
Trump also faces investigation by a special counsel appointed by the Department of Justice for allegations that he hoarded top-secret documents and masterminded a plot seeking to overturn the 2020 election. Republican lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene, a vocal supporter of Trump, told the crowd it was time to “take back” the Department of Justice, saying they were not just coming after Trump but also his supporters.
Critics saw the timing of the rally in Waco as a nod to Trump’s far-right supporters, as the city was marking the 30th anniversary of a raid by federal agents on the Branch Davidians religious sect that resulted in 86 deaths. The rally was chosen for its location between several major population centers and infrastructure to host a large event, according to a Trump campaign spokesperson.
Aside from legal concerns, Trump faces potential challenges from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in securing the Republican nomination for the 2024 election. Trump has sought to turn the hush money case in New York to his advantage by raising money off it and using it to rally supporters. However, his escalating rhetoric has repelled some within his own party, and few have heeded his calls to take to the streets to protest his possible indictment. The city of Waco expected 15,000 people to attend the rally.
