Last updated on November 15th, 2023 at 04:21 am
On Tuesday evening, President Donald Trump made his first TV appearance since revealing that he is the target of a federal investigation related to the 2020 election.
During his campaign stop in Iowa earlier that day, Trump made light of his legal challenge while jokingly stating, “No, it bothers me… They’re in a rush because they want to interfere in the election.”
Later, Trump sat down with Fox News’s Sean Hannity for an hour-long town hall in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. During the town hall, he expressed his discontent about the mounting legal troubles, emphasizing that the alleged election interference is unprecedented, stating, “Election interference, has never been done like this in the history of our country and it’s a disgrace what’s happening to our country.“
In the town hall, Trump compared his ongoing classified documents probe to that of President Joe Biden, alleging, “They can’t get to him because the college or whatever that has them doesn’t want to give them but he probably told the college.”
He reiterated his claim that the Presidential Records Act covered his actions and criticized Special Counsel Jack Smith, calling him an “obscure crazy theory of madman theory disguised as a deranged prosecutor” and a “nasty horrible human being.”
Fox Donald Trump Presidential Town Hall – July 18 2023 FULL SHOW
During the town hall, Trump took aim at President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, who recently agreed to plead guilty to federal charges related to personal taxes and illegal firearm possession. Trump pointed out the disparity in sentencing, stating, “Other people are being sentenced to many years in jail for doing much less. [Hunter] got a traffic ticket.“
The significance of Trump’s appearance in Iowa, a critical state for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race, lies in his ability to maintain a lead in early polling. He currently surpasses his closest rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, by at least 20 to 30 points, or more.
Trump’s Reaction To Target Letter-
Regarding the investigation itself, the letter received by Trump on Sunday, informing him of being the target of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation, indicates the possibility of a later indictment. Trump expressed frustration, characterizing the investigation as an attempt to demean and frighten people, stating, “It bothers me… The DOJ (Department of Justice) has become a weapon for the Democrats.”
Trump’s allies, including House Speaker Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Rep. Byron Donalds, and Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene, rallied behind him, with Donalds tweeting, “There is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of the law and in the name of justice.”
Trump’s top 2024 rival, Governor Ron DeSantis, also came to his defense, expressing hope that Trump would not face charges, as he believes it would not be in the best interest of the country.
At last, President Trump’s first TV appearance following the announcement of the federal investigation revealed his frustration and defiance, with his legal challenges becoming a recurring theme in his public addresses. The impact of this investigation on Trump’s political standing and the upcoming 2024 Republican presidential nomination race remains to be seen, as he continues to maintain a substantial lead in early polling, despite facing multiple indictments and potential charges.
The implications of this investigation on the political landscape will likely be closely observed by both allies and rivals as the 2024 election cycle progresses.