Trump tests post-Mueller vengeance campaign
At his first rally since being cleared of Russian conspiracy charges, Trump ticked through those he felt wronged him as the crowd chanted, “Lock them up.”
By GABBY ORR 03/28/2019 10:28 PM EDT
President Donald Trump feels vindicated. And now he’s out for blood.
Wearing the same red tie he wore on Inauguration Day, Trump took the stage in Michigan on Thursday for the first time since being cleared of Russian conspiracy charges and proceeded to tear through a vengeance-laced speech that felt as much like a second inaugural as it did a campaign rally.
One by one in front of a packed audience, Trump ticked through those who he felt wronged him over the 22-month Russia probe that dogged his presidency — from lawmakers to television pundits — egging the adoring crowd on as it chanted, “Lock them up.” And he expressed sympathy for those caught up in the probe, describing them as “innocent” individuals badly damaged by “an elaborate hoax,” amid speculation that he will pardon former aides facing Mueller-related prison time.
The broadside gave a preview of how Trump plans to use the investigation as a major cudgel to rally his base and trash his enemies heading into the 2020 election.
“This group of major losers did not just ruthlessly attack me, my family and everyone who questioned their lies, they tried to divide our country, to poison the national debate and to tear up the fabric of our great democracy,” Trump roared.
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https://www.politico.com/story/2019/03/28/trump-campaign-rally-michigan-1243156
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