Trump holds first rally in Florida since leaving office over Fourth of July weekend
Sarasota, Florida – Donald Trump on Saturday night held his first rally in Florida since leaving office.
The Fourth of July-themed Save America Rally featured typical Trump tirades on so-called "cancel culture" and the Biden administration's immigration policies, according to the New York Times.
The ex-president also took the opportunity to slam New York prosecutors after Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg pleaded not guilty to charges related to suspected tax fraud on Thursday.
"You didn’t pay tax on the car, or the company apartment," Trump said of the charges, adding, "Or education for your grandchildren. I don’t even know, do you have to put, does anyone know the answer to that stuff?"
He seemed to both acknowledge the benefits took place while simultaneously dismissing the charges as "prosecutorial misconduct."
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was not present at the rally. The Republican chose to remain in Surfside, the scene of a tragic building collapse, on the other side of the state. Rescue workers continue to search for dozens of people still unaccounted for, while 24 people have been confirmed dead.
But the longtime Trump ally has reportedly faced recent tensions with the ex-president. It is rumored DeSantis could be mulling a possible 2024 presidential bid, which could throw a wrench in Trump's possible third run.
In fact, a straw poll taken during a conservative conference in Denver in June showed DeSantis finishing ahead of Trump, but the governor's office has yet to indicate whether the rumors of his potential candidacy are true.
Cover photo: IMAGO / UPI Photo