- During an address to GOP Members of Congress in Miami, Florida, former President Donald Trump humorously questioned whether he could run for president again in 2028.
- “I think I am not allowed to run again. Am I allowed to run again?” he quipped.
- Under the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, no person can be elected president more than twice, making a 2028 run constitutionally impossible.
- Reflection on GOP Successes:
Trump highlighted what he described as historic achievements during his tenure and the GOP’s recent successes:- Claimed sweeping victories in swing states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
- Celebrated the GOP’s largest popular vote since 1928.
- Noted record-breaking support among African-American and Hispanic-American voters.
- Critique of FDR’s New Deal:
Trump compared the GOP’s strides under his leadership to dismantling Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal coalition,” which shaped American politics for decades.- Roosevelt’s “First New Deal” (1933-1935) aimed at relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression.
- Trump declared the GOP is “shattering” this coalition and uniting diverse voter bases under a new political majority.
- Vision for the GOP’s Future:
Trump outlined an ambitious plan to cement the Republican Party’s dominance:- Expand the GOP majority in the House by 2026.
- Build a “national governing coalition” to preserve American freedom for generations.
- Reaffirm the GOP as the “voice of hardworking American citizens of every race, religion, color, and creed.”
- Expressions of Gratitude:
Trump concluded by expressing gratitude for the unprecedented support he claims to have received:- “There has never been anything like what’s happening in politics in the last few years. Everybody seems to be with us,” he said.
Analysis:
Trump’s speech underscores his continued influence within the GOP and his focus on rallying support for the party’s future endeavors. His remarks about a 2028 run, while playful, highlight his enduring presence in political discourse even as constitutional limits prevent a third term.
The event also reflects the GOP’s strategy of broadening its voter base while consolidating its standing in swing states. Looking ahead, Trump’s vision for the party aims to redefine its identity and secure long-term dominance in American politics.