WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, former President Donald Trump met with Republicans in Congress as he looks to solidify support ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election.
It was Trump’s first public appearance on Capitol Hill since Jan. 6, 2021, and the first time since he was convicted in his New York hush money trial. A few dozen supporters of the former president and protesters were outside the meetings today. Some protesters hoisted signs that read “Failed Coup” and “Plotting to overturn an election is not an ‘official act,’ it’s a crime.”
During the meetings, Trump focused on campaign priorities and policies like the economy, inflation, tax cuts and immigration.
“It’s about policies, not about personalities,” said Rep. Jack Bergman (R- MI) who represents Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. “He’s going to come back to the White House to allow our folks in the U.P. to earn a living wage, feed their family, pay their bills, all of those things, and an opportunity for them to start businesses,” Bergman added.
House Republicans were energized coming out of the morning meeting. Many said they’re ready to develop a game plan and get a jump start on the next legislative session, as they hope to advance their priorities with a Republican House and with their candidate in the White House.
“He’s a strong, strong leader. People understand that. That’s what they’re looking for. We’ve watched now for almost four years, somebody who stumbles and fumbles and fumbles and it’s like, ‘wait, we need someone with a clear vision of what America needs and to get it done. He’s the guy that gets things done,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R- PA).
“At the end of the day, what he said is he wants all of us to win and ultimately to grow the majority,” said Rep. Marc Molinaro (R- NY). “We’ve seen what’s happened in this country, and it’s just important to know that we are on the same, we’re all fighting to make it make it more affordable for Americans and to secure the border. And for the people I represent, it’s what they want us to do,” Molinaro added.
“Everybody in the room knows that Joe Biden’s policies and the person himself is just a disaster. And that’s what they know in Pennsylvania as well. And Trump’s just speaking clearly, very specific about what the policy plans are. It’s about strengthening America, strengthening our economy, strengthening our national security, strengthening us on the world stage,” said Rep. Dan Meuser (R- PA).
After the meetings, Trump said Republicans are united and ready to make the country great again.
“There’s tremendous unity in the Republican Party,” said Trump following the meeting with Senate Republicans this afternoon. “We want to see success for our country, and we don’t have success right now.”
The Senate GOP meeting was important for Trump. Some Senate Republicans have mixed feelings about the former president. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R- KY) has had a rocky relationship with Trump, and a handful of GOP senators have not yet endorsed him for president.
