Trump says he’ll ‘never be detained’ in defiant first speech since indictment
Trump was speaking for the first time at the 2023 North Carolina State GOP Convention in Greensboro
Former President Donald Trump blasted his historic indictment as ‘ridiculous’ and ‘baseless’ in his first public speech since his charges.
Last week the 37 felony count charges were unsealed in what he said was an attack on his supporters as he tried to turn legal peril into political advantage.
Speaking at the Georgia Republican Convention, Trump cast his indictment by the Department of Justice as an attempt to hurt his chances of returning to the White House.
He said: ‘They’ve launched one witch hunt after another to try and stop our movement, to thwart the will of the American people.
He added: ‘In the end, they’re not coming after me. They’re coming after you.’
He added: ‘I’ve put everything on the line and I will never yield. I will never be detained. I will never stop fighting for you.’
The indictment unsealed on Friday charged him with 37 felony counts in connection with his hoarding of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Trump is accused of wilfully defying Justice Department demands to return classified documents, enlisting aides in his efforts to hide the records and even telling his lawyers that he wanted to defy a subpoena for the materials stored at his residence.
A photo contained in the indictment against former President Donald Trump shows boxes of records on December 7, 2021, in a storage room at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate
The indictment includes allegations that he stored documents in a ballroom and bathroom at his resort, among other places.
The most serious charges carry potential prison sentences of up to 20 years each, but first-time offenders rarely get anywhere near the maximum sentence and the decision would ultimately be up to the judge.
For all that, Trump anticipated a hero’s welcome at the party conventions in Georgia and North Carolina.
Trump said his political enemies had launched ‘one hoax and witch hunt after another’ and claimed the charges against him were politically motivated.
‘The ridiculous and baseless indictment of me by the Biden administration’s weaponized Department of Injustice will go down as among the most horrific abuses of power in the history of our country,’ Trump told Georgia Republicans.
About 100 supporters, some waving ‘Witch Hunt’ signs, showed up to the Columbus airfield to greet Trump as he arrived.
Jan Plemmons, 66, wearing an oversize foam ‘Make America Great Again’ hat, called the federal charges ‘absolutely ridiculous’ and said she was ready to campaign with Trump. To Michael Sellers, 67, it was ‘criminal what they’re doing to him.’
Trump is due to make his first federal court appearance Tuesday in Miami.
He was charged alongside valet Walt Nauta, a personal aide whom prosecutors say moved boxes from a storage room to Trump’s residence for him to review and later lied to investigators about the movement.
A photograph included in the indictment shows several dozen file boxes stacked in a storage area.
The case adds to deepening legal jeopardy for Trump.
In March, he was indicted in New York in a hush money scheme stemming from payouts made to a porn actor during his 2016 campaign, and he faces additional investigations in Washington and Atlanta that also could lead to criminal charges.
But among the various investigations he has faced, the case of the documents has long been considered the most perilous threat and the one most ripe for prosecution.
Mike Pence condemned the ‘politicization’ of the Justice Department and urged Attorney General Merrick Garland ‘to stop hiding behind the special counsel and stand before the American people’ to explain the basis for the federal investigation into Trump.
He said: ‘A former president of the United States facing an unprecedented indictment by a Justice Department run by the current president of the United States and a potential political rival,’ Pence said to loud applause. Pence said it was important to hear Trump’s defense, ‘then each of us can make our own judgment. … Be patient. Know that we will soon know the facts.’
At the North Carolina GOP gathering on Friday night, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Trump’s leading GOP rival, didn’t mention Trump by name but compared his situation to that of Hillary Clinton.
Read more - Firenewsfeed
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from Firenews Feed and writers in Journal and other communities.
The One Item Every Fashion It Girl Needs: The Oversized T-Shirt
Fashion trends come and go, but the oversized t-shirt is here to stay. This wardrobe staple is a must-have for any stylish girl looking to keep up with the latest fashion trends. Whether you’re going for a laid-back, casual vibe or a chic and stylish look, the oversized t shirt women is a versatile choice that can take you from day to night. This outfit is all about comfort and ease, without sacrificing style.
By Firenews Feed12 months ago in Journal
Muses & Musings
Welcome to my new series, a weekly blog on what’s inspiring me. I spent much of last week in bed with a stomach bug. I’ll spare you the details of that—but in addition to the grotesque physical symptoms, I had some fever dreams I won’t soon forget. Imagine my surprise to see Vocal’s newest challenge: Write a fiction story about a recurring dream or nightmare.
By Davina Zinn McKee7 days ago in Journal
Abby's Journey
Love lifted at me love lifted at me when I was sinking deep in sin. Love lifted me Love lifted me Love lifted me when nothing else could help Love lifted me. Yup that's us the children choir at Saint Martin Christian School. We used to sing all the time. We used to sing when we are happy. We used to sing when we were sad. The minister said God bless the child that keeps his word and praises. And I would sing at home. I would sing while playing. I would sing while dancing. I would sing at school. And some children would listen closely and say that I could sing really good. My name is Abby Abbot. My father was a construction worker and my mother was a teacher. We would laugh and play before dinner. And Daddy would asked me what I am doing each day? I would say nothing much but singing. I mean I love learning but I really love singing. Daddy and I was close. Momma would interrupted the conversation when it became quiet. And my brother would like making fun. My little brother was funny and silly. He could make anyone laugh. He loves playing. Anyway we are about six years apart. Momma said she did not know if she could have another child. And my parents fell on hard times and they could not afford to have many children. I feel lucky and blessed. Lucky to have such good parents and blessed to be alive. I don't know if I would be the same if Dad and Mom did not give birth to me. I don't know if I would have existed but I am sure grateful. Thank you Daddy for loving Mom. Thank you Mommie for loving Dad. I love my family. Daddy said I am turning 13 years old soon and he was planning my party. I told Dad that I don't want a party. And Dad said you are becoming a woman. You are starting to change and grow and become beautiful. Guys may notice and you should not be afraid to be a woman that is what you are made to be. You hear. And Momma interrupted Daddy don't understand that it is a hard time for her. She still wants to be young and she still need her parents to guide her. She is still discovering herself and her wants her needs. And what it is like to be a woman and what a man is like. Remember. Dad said Oh I remember. Hang out with your girlfriends and you can stay out a little longer Abby. Momma said One step at a time. A child can't walk at once. A child can't climb a staircase at once. You got easssssy into it. My parents gesture to me and I said slowly Okkkkay. And I walked into my bedroom, Momma gonna make me do more chores. Dad's gonna make me more responsible. But am I ready. I love being a kid. I love being myself. I love being around my parents but growing up is difficult. Although I am curious about being around my friends. I laid on my bed and dream. i dream of being older and mature. I dream of being free and without rules and restrictions. I dream of having many friends. I dream of working and playing grown up games. I dream of boys getting older. Then I was interrupted my mother called me down the stairs. Abby Abby Abby I know you hear me girl. Your friend is on the phone said Momma. I asked her which one and said I am coming. Brenda what is it? No I can't go. No I can't go. I am going through something. Yes I am changing and growing up. It's not a joke. Yeah Yeah Yeah but okay. Momma and Daddy pretended that they were not listening and they were excited. You can go out with your church friend just be home before 9am. Mom and Dad surprised and laugh and talk about what they think I would do. I don't know why Brenda is calling me now. She probably wants to party. She probably thinking about boys. I am just going to win Mom and Dad trust then I am going get more privileges. And just after I was ready my little brother knocked he said Abby you are growing up. You are growing up Mom and Dad said. Are you leaving me? I said while hugging my little brother No bro I am just doing things that you will do one day you will see. My brother said good bye. Momma was looking at my dress and outfit and she said it was cute and nice. And Dad drove me he said Ahh you are growing up don't be afraid to call home if anything anything happen emergency or you want something or if it is important. So I knocked while Dad waited. Brenda introduced me to her cousin and Dad left. Her cousin tried to get me alone but Brenda was watching. He told me about himself and his life how he used to be in the gang and he was gonna show a picture of his weapon. And he wanted to kiss but I was not ready. He told me that he was a few years older. I felt uncomfortable so eventually I called home and left and told my parents. The next Sunday we song Oh Happy Day and after church, Brenda's cousin introduced himself to my parents and said he is interested in me. And Mom and Dad said they will think about it because I was kinda young. I told Brenda's cousin that is nice seeing him in church and that I would like to see him more in church and maybe we can date in the future.
By Matthew Primous4 days ago in Journal
Peaceful Purpose
I have noticed that in the professional sphere, as far as I have noticed, that many people choose to come to work, mainly with the intention of collecting a paycheck, which I completely understand, unfortunately, we all need money to survive in this world. I also feel very strongly about the fact that if you are going to work in a profession, you should certainly treat that profession, whatever it may be, with the dignity that its purpose entails, whether you are working in the medical field, or working at a fast food restaurant, you should do you best to do the best job you can, because when it comes right down to it, we are all humans, going through the trials, and challenges that this life can bring us, by working together.
By Kaylon Forsyth6 days ago in Humans
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.