Trump Holds First Rally Since Jan. 6 Committee Subpoena in Texas

Former President Donald Trump held a rally in South Texas in support of Republican candidates in the state ahead of next month’s midterm elections. It was Trump’s first rally appearance since the January 6 committee unanimously voted to subpoena him for his role in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2020. During his speech, he hinted at a 2024 run to reclaim the White House, again cast doubt on the results of the 2020 election, and accused the Biden administration of weaponizing and politicizing the Justice Department.

Key Quotes: On a potential 2024 run, Trump said “getting millions more votes in 2020 than 2016 and likewise, getting more votes than any sitting president in the history of our country by far. And now in order to make our country successful, safe and glorious again, I will probably have to do it again,” he said. Trump characterized Democratic candidates in Texas as “against guns, God and oil,” and praised Republican Governor Greg Abbott.

For Context: It is not yet known if Trump will comply with the subpoena. FiveThirtyEight (Center Bias) is currently polling Republican Greg Abbott with a sizable lead over Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke in the Texas gubernatorial election.

How the Media Covered it: The rally was covered mildly across the spectrum, with all sides focusing most heavily on Trump’s remarks on a 2024 run. Axios highlighted a statement from former Trump advisor ​​Kellyanne Conway that Trump would formally announce a 2024 run before Thanksgiving.