During his first campaign event following his historic conviction on felony charges, former President Donald J. Trump shifted the spotlight to President Biden by equating his border policy to a criminal operation. He criticized Biden’s executive order aimed at reducing border crossings, claiming it would be ineffective after months of inaction.
Speaking at a town hall in Phoenix hosted by Turning Point Action, a conservative group, Mr. Trump accused Biden of leading a heinous criminal conspiracy through his border actions. Despite facing his own legal challenges, Mr. Trump often deflects criticism by attacking his opponents and alleging their involvement in more severe wrongdoing.
The speech in Phoenix provided a glimpse into how Mr. Trump plans to downplay his guilty verdict in his Manhattan trial and focus on immigration to rally support for his potential 2024 White House bid. This strategy could resonate strongly in Arizona, where anti-immigration sentiment is high, as evidenced by recent legislative actions.
Mr. Trump heavily criticized Biden’s border policies, accusing him of delaying action to gain political favor. The former president painted a bleak picture of Arizona’s future under Biden’s leadership, suggesting the state was becoming a dumping ground for undesirable elements.
At the event, attended by fervent Trump supporters, the crowd echoed his sentiments on immigration and voiced concerns about the impact of border crossings on their communities. Some residents attributed various societal issues to the influx of migrants, emphasizing the need for stricter border controls.
Mr. Trump’s unsubstantiated claims about migrants and the Biden administration drew swift rebuttals from the Biden campaign. The former president’s baseless allegations of election fraud in Arizona and elsewhere were also reiterated during his speech.
Despite facing legal challenges and criticism, Mr. Trump remains focused on regaining political power and overturning the results of past elections. His relentless pursuit of electoral vindication underscores the contentious political landscape in Arizona and beyond.
