In a recent address following his arraignment on charges related to the 2020 election, former President Donald Trump asserted that another indictment might pave his way to success in the 2024 presidential race.
Speaking at the Summer Dinner hosted by the Alabama Republican Party in Montgomery, Trump commented, “Each indictment boosts our popularity. One more, and we’re set for the win in this election. No one will even come close.”
Trump had previously entered a not-guilty plea in a federal court in Washington, D.C. This followed a grand jury’s indictment, which stemmed from an investigation overseen by special counsel Jack Smith. The charges suggest Trump conspired with six unnamed individuals to challenge his 2020 election defeat to President Joe Biden.
In his Friday address, Trump claimed the allegations were delayed strategically. “The so-called Biden DOJ could’ve pressed these charges 2.5 years ago. Instead, they held off until the election season when I was leading in the polls.”
However, Trump believes these accusations will have no real consequences, emphasizing, “Our popularity only surges with every indictment.”
He also criticized Smith, labeling him “troubled.” He further remarked, “Some suggest being kind to him might help, but trust me, he’s beyond that. A truly disturbed individual.”
Earlier this year, Trump faced two separate indictments. One in New York linked him with 34 counts of falsifying business records concerning payments to actress Stormy Daniels and others during his 2016 campaign. Another charge related to document storage at his Florida Mar-a-Lago property. Speculations hint at a forthcoming indictment in Georgia, given the ongoing grand jury probe into Trump’s activities surrounding the 2020 election.
Despite these challenges, Trump maintains a lead in the GOP primary polls with 53% support, outpacing his closest competitor, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Concluding his Friday speech, Trump suggested that his rising popularity in the polls triggered the indictments. He stated, “Their misinformation campaign stems from their inability to accept our previous victories. Their bitterness is deeply rooted.”
