Donald Trump reiterated his anti-immigration stance Thursday during his first campaign event since his criminal verdict, criticizing Joe Biden's so-called “open borders policy.” Trump lambasted the Democratic president despite Biden's recent measures to curb illegal immigration, presenting it as a central campaign pillar. Trump declared that, on his first day in office, he would revoke Joe Biden's recent decree that restricts migrants who enter the United States illegally from seeking asylum once they exceed 2,500 entries per day for a week. Biden's decree also facilitates expulsions to Mexico, remaining effective until illegal entries fall below 1,500 per day.
During a rally in Arizona, Trump labeled Biden as “Joe the Swindler” and accused his policies of being “pro-invasion,” “pro-child trafficking,” and “pro-drug traffickers.” Trump promised to undo all of Biden's “open border” policies and suggested punitive customs duties on countries that fail to control the migrant flow to the U.S. He asserted, “We have great economic power. If China or another country behaves badly, we have what we call customs duties which are very harmful.” The rally underscores the enhanced focus on immigration in the upcoming presidential race, with Republicans portraying Biden's border policies as facilitating an “invasion.”
In another separate development, former First Lady Melania Trump and her son Barron were seen in public for the first time since the hush money trial verdict against Donald Trump. Melania, who has maintained a low profile throughout the trial, was spotted leaving Trump Tower in New York without making any public statements. Accompanied by Barron, she made a quiet exit dressed in an elegant gold and brown jumpsuit, and did not address the photographers.
Speculation circulated about the large amount of luggage, including at least seven Louis Vuitton suitcases and garment bags bearing Barron's initials, being loaded into a bulletproof SUV. They were reportedly heading to the Trump family's “safe haven” in Bedminster, New Jersey. Donald Trump confirmed over the weekend that Melania and Barron had suffered significantly since the trial. He suggested that the trial, which he claims is a plot by “bad people” to “create chaos,” has been harder on his wife and son than on him.
This public appearance marks a significant moment as Melania has largely avoided media attention since Trump's conviction. Amid the controversy, Stormy Daniels, a key witness in the hush money trial, called on Melania to leave her husband, citing his criminal status rather than his alleged actions towards women. As of now, there has been no public reaction from Melania regarding these events.
- The issue of immigration stands as a prominent electoral challenge for Joe Biden. Polls indicate that handling of immigration could heavily influence the outcome of the election. In the 2020 elections, Biden narrowly won the key state of Arizona by approximately 10,000 votes, emphasizing the critical role immigration policy may play in the upcoming elections.
- Melania Trump's silence and absence from public life have been a subject of speculation. Observers noted the significance of her recent appearance and the psychological toll the trial seems to be taking on the Trump family. This event could potentially affect public perception of Donald Trump and his close ones during his campaign.
- While Donald Trump continues to fight legal battles and media scrutiny, his focus on immigration and economic policies signifies his strategy to galvanize support among his voter base. Trump's campaign method is expected to heavily feature criticisms of “open borders” and promises of economic retaliation against non-compliant countries.
