Former President Donald Trump announced he will be holding a rally on Saturday, June 26, in Cleveland, Ohio. The event is part of an effort to replace “RINO” GOP Rep. Anthony Gonzalez in the House, and support Max Miller to replace him.
Cincinnati.com reported, “Trump is expected to stump for his endorsed candidates, including former White House aide Max Miller who is challenging sitting Rep. Anthony Gonzalez. Gonzalez was one of 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Trump; the Ohio Republican Party recently called on Gonzalez to resign over his vote.”
Gonzalez was one of 10 Republican House members who voted to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol building riot.
Trump released a statement to express his endorsement of Miller in February. “Max Miller is a wonderful person who did a great job at the White House and will be a fantastic Congressman. He is a Marine Veteran, a son of Ohio, and a true PATRIOT. Current Rep. Anthony Gonzalez should not be representing the people of the 16th district because he does not represent their interest or their heart. Max Miller has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”
Trump previously said during a February CPAC speech that he would campaign against Republicans who voted to impeach him. Among others the former president said he will campaign against will be Wyoming GOP Rep. Liz Cheney, as well as Alaskan Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski.
The bold moves signal two things for conservatives. First, Trump is working hard to realign the Republican Party toward America First candidates at a time while he isn’t in office. It’s not just about who voted to impeach him. It’s about removing Republicans who are not true conservatives.
Second, the actions continue to fuel speculation about his own 2024 run for the White House. He has previously noted he will not make an official announcement prior to the 2022 midterm elections. However, his ongoing activities, including the upcoming Ohio rally, point toward a yes.
American conservatives continue to have some reservations about another Trump run, but should they? For example, some argue Trump lost the last time, so running again only risks the same outcome.
In addition, some argue it’s time to move beyond Trump and support candidates who can help Republicans win the next election. However, Trump voting totals and ongoing poll support among Republicans show this is actually a minority opinion. Most American conservatives would gladly support Trump in an election over Biden and VP Kamala Harris or any other Democrat in 2024.
Whether Trump actually runs or not doesn’t change the overall goal to reinvent the Republican Party into an America First party for the working class. The former president will either make a run himself, or he will play a critical role in deciding who does instead. In any case, Trump has a major role to play in 2024, and this rally in Ohio is just the beginning.
