Last updated on August 16th, 2023 at 08:19 am
Former President Donald Trump spoke in downtown Montgomery at the Alabama Republican Party Summer Dinner to a sellout crowd on Friday evening. Fresh off his arraignment in a D.C. federal court for trying to overturn the 2020 election, Trump headlining the Alabama GOP dinner.
Notably, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and nearly the entire GOP congressional delegation will be in attendance. However, Republican Sen. Katie Britt will miss the event due to a health issue, but her husband and parents will be present, according to a party spokesperson.
Trump, in a brief statement on a drizzly tarmac before boarding his plane back to New Jersey after his court appearance in Washington, characterized the case as a “persecution” designed to hurt his 2024 presidential campaign.
Live Stream – Trump Speaks at Alabama GOP Dinner (Aug. 4):
Liver coverage is expected to begin at 6 pm ET from RSBN with Trump expected to speak sometime after the 7 pm hour.
Alternate Stream Links: RSBNetwork.tv, Newsmax
Trump Speaks at Alabama GOP Dinner in Montgomery, Alabama
Time: 8:15 pm ET
Full Video: Watch Below
The recent federal charges against Trump accuse him of orchestrating a brazen and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to block the peaceful transfer of presidential power. Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to four federal counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, which stem from his actions surrounding the 2020 election.
Despite these charges, Trump’s popularity remains significant in Alabama, as evidenced by his huge margins of victory in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. This continued support from Alabama Republicans makes it unsurprising that many GOP figures in the state want to be seen with the former president, regardless of the legal challenges he faces.
“This is a persecution of a political opponent. This was never supposed to happen in America,” said Donald Trump, addressing the proceedings in a brief statement on a drizzly tarmac before boarding his plane back to New Jersey after his court appearance in Washington.
Members of Alabama’s congressional delegation have weighed in on the situation, expressing doubts about the charges and characterizing them as an example of a broken justice system. “The latest indictment appears to be an even greater stretch of the law in an effort to destroy Donald Trump,” said U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover), expressing his doubts about the charges and criticizing the prosecution’s approach.
"Much of this indictment centers on statements made by President Trump on January 6th that create legal problems for the prosecution in regard to free speech. Regardless of any opinions about President Trump or his statements about the outcome of the 2020 election, President Trump's statements are protected by the First Amendment right to free speech, especially political speech," added Rep. Palmer.
In light of Trump’s visit to Alabama and his potential influence on the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, a recent poll of Alabama Republican Primary voters shows Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis leading Trump by almost 20 points in a hypothetical matchup. The poll indicates that 50% of those surveyed would either definitely or probably vote for DeSantis, while only 31% said they would definitely or probably vote for Trump. Among those who remain undecided, 3% lean toward DeSantis, 4% lean toward Trump, and 9% are firmly unsure.
“A full 50% of those surveyed said they would either definitely or probably vote for DeSantis, while just 31% said they would definitely or probably vote for Trump,” stated the recent poll of Alabama Republican Primary voters, highlighting Ron DeSantis’ lead over Trump in a hypothetical matchup for the GOP presidential nomination in 2024.
Trump is expected to take the stage sometime after 7 pm at the Alabama Republican Party Summer Dinner. Those interested can watch the live stream above and follow the Trump event schedule for further updates on all upcoming rallies and campaign speeches.
The event holds significant political significance for both Trump and the Alabama Republican Party, and it is anticipated that Trump’s speech will resonate with his supporters in the state.