Donald Trump says an indictment won’t end presidential campaign: ‘Absolutely’ | World News

[ad_1]

Former President Donald Trump said Saturday he will continue his third presidential campaign despite being indicted.

“Really, I’m not going to think about leaving,” Trump told reporters before a speech at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference.

Trump is under investigation by prosecutors probing his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election as well as his handling of classified documents, among other issues.

Trump gave the conference’s headlining speech on Saturday night, telling a cheering crowd of supporters that he was engaged in his “last fight” as he tries to return to the White House.

“We will finish what we started,” he said. “We will finish the mission. We will see this fight to the ultimate victory.”

Although CPAC used to be a must-stop for candidates contemplating Republican presidential runs, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, seen as a leading potential challenger to Trump, and other major likely contenders skipped this year’s gathering amid the scandal and as the group increasingly aligns with Trump.

The former president’s enduring popularity with this segment of the electorate was on display throughout this week’s conference. Some attendees wore Trump-themed outfits, with “MAGA” hats and sequined jackets. Potential and declared candidates not named Trump received only warm applause.

And the annual CPAC straw poll, an unscientific survey of attendees, found Trump to be the top choice to be the party’s nominee, with 62% support, followed by DeSantis at 20% and businessman Perry Johnson , who announced his long shot bid at the conference, with 5%.

Almost everyone — 95% of respondents — said they approved of Trump’s performance as president.

“This is an audience that supports President Trump,” said Rep. Elise Stefanik, RN.Y., the No. 3 House Republican, who endorsed Trump days before he officially launched his 2024 campaign.

The only member of House leadership to attend the conference, Stefanik told The Associated Press that Trump continues to be the leader of the party.

“President Trump is in a very strong position and I think he will be the Republican nominee,” he said.

[ad_2]