Mathilda Simons, Grade 10, Staff Writer
Outside of Mar-a-Lago resort on November 15, 2022, a familiar sight reemerged: a large crowd of people waving a mix of American and “Make America Great Again” flags, cheering for former President Donald Trump. “In order to make America great and glorious again, I am tonight announcing my candidacy for president of the United States,” the former president declared.
This announcement comes after a long period of uncertainty on whether or not Trump would take the risk of running for the presidency for the third time. After losing his second bid in 2020, he contested the election results, saying that they were rigged and he was the true victor. Following these claims came an insurrection on January 6, 2021 that threatened the lives of Congress members and Trump’s own former Vice President, Mike Pence.
Many of Trump’s fellow Republicans supported these claims, though they are not evidence-based. In reality, Trump lost by about seven million votes.
The current state of the Republican party seems to be divided. Georgia representative Marjorie Taylor-Greene endorsed Trump before his official announcement was even made, along with several other Republican figures. However, some pushback has been made as well. Jeb Bush, Jr., referred to him as “Sleepy Donnie” and “weak.”
Some staffers of Trump, who he has been known to have a tumultuous relationship with, namely former director of strategic communications Alyssa Farah, deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews, and chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, have criticized his running again. Close to the former president throughout his time in office was his daughter Ivanka Trump, who, while not condemning her father’s choice to run again, stated that in order to prioritize her children she would not be involved in this campaign.
During his speech, Trump discussed Biden's failures, successes of his sole term in office, and his plans for the new campaign and presidential term. As for what Trump believes Biden’s effect has been, Trump states “We are a nation in decline.”
Currently, Trump is being investigated for taking classified government documents to Mar-a-Lago, which many view as a threat to national security. Moreover, several investigations are being made into the January 6th insurrection, which might lead to charges towards Trump.
Students at the High School of American Studies seem to have different reactions to this announcement. Mollie Kuritzky, a 10th grader, states that she does not “think that Trump winning the Republican nomination is likely, especially given the midterm red wave that never happened.”
Contrarily, Amena Steenhuis, a 10th grader, states that she is fearful of the possibilities stemming from a Trump election. “If the country has chosen Trump as president before, I think they could do it again.”
Who, if anyone, might fight to be the Republican nominee is still in question. Rob DeSantis, the current Florida governor has risen in popularity and many have called on him to run. The New York Post nicknamed DeSantis “DeFuture” and Trump “Trumpty Dumpty who couldn’t build a great wall.” Further rumors of beginning an election bid surround former vice president Mike Pence, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, former Trump United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, and more.
There are many possibilities for the 2024 election. Certainly Trump will do his best to have the greatest impact he can possibly have.
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