A month after leaving the White House, Trump is finally going to appear in public. The Associated Press quoted people familiar with the matter on the 21st as saying that Trump plans to speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on the 28th.
Several U.S. media believe that this is a signal that Trump “goes out” again.
According to the New York Times on the 21st, this year’s CPAC will be held in Orlando, Florida, from the 25th to 28th, and Trump will speak on the last day of the meeting.
Since leaving office, Trump has kept a low profile and only gave some small interviews. On the 28th, it will be Trump’s first public speech since leaving office. The CPAC, held annually and hosted by the American Conservative Coalition, is one of the largest conservative political events in the United States, and is also the venue for Republican candidate campaigns and a gathering of aspiring figures in the party.
Sources familiar with Trump’s plan said: “He will talk about the future of the Republican Party and the conservative movement”, and he will also “examine” current President Biden’s border and immigration policies with the eyes of a former president.
According to the U.S. Political News Network on the 20th, Trump’s political career began in the CPAC in 2011 and has been a regular visitor to the conference ever since. During Trump’s administration, he himself, former Vice President Pence and other senior White House advisers attended the meeting.
This year’s conference has drawn many potential Republican presidential candidates, including former Secretary of State Pompeo, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, and more. It is worth mentioning that Pence refused the invitation to the meeting. Pence plans to keep a low profile for the next six months, according to people familiar with the matter.
Politico News Network mentioned that Trump has privately signaled in recent days that he is considering a comeback in the 2024 presidential election. According to Trump advisers, Trump is preparing for the 2022 midterm elections in terms of finance and other aspects.
The New York Times analysis believes that Trump’s presence in the CPAC may hinder other candidates who are interested in running for president to some extent. Trump’s influence is still there, and it may be difficult for others to find donors to support their campaign.
CNN pointed out that there are currently differences among top Republicans on how to treat Trump. Recently, there have been fierce conflicts between Trump and Senate Republican leader McConnell, who repeatedly condemned Trump for the Capitol Hill riots, and Trump also issued a statement demanding that the Republican Party ban McConnell’s leadership.
A recent poll at Quinnipiac University in the United States shows that three-quarters of Republicans want Trump to play an important role in the party.
CNN also revealed that Republican heavyweight Senator Graham planned to go to Mar-a-a-Lago to play golf with Trump on the 21st, trying to “constructively” persuade Trump and “interrange” the growing discord between the top of the Republican Party.
