NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is urging his Republican rivals to drop out of the 2024 presidential race amidst his growing legal troubles. He has threatened to primary Republican members of Congress who do not focus on investigating President Joe Biden and has called for Ukrainian military aid to be halted until the White House cooperates with their investigations. Trump made these remarks at a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he accused Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and others of wasting money that should be used to build a strong voter base to challenge Biden in the upcoming election.
Two days ago, federal prosecutors unveiled new criminal charges against Trump, accusing him of hoarding classified documents and obstructing the Justice Department’s investigation. Trump is also bracing for possible indictments in relation to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Despite these legal challenges, he remains the frontrunner for the Republican nomination and has seen his lead increase as his rivals struggle to respond.
Trump is now using his legal troubles as a core message in his bid to return to the White House. He accuses Biden of using the Justice Department to harm him and his supporters. However, these investigations are diverting resources from the campaign’s main objectives. Trump’s political action committee, Save America, has reportedly spent over $40 million on legal fees during the first half of 2023.
During the rally, Trump also threatened Republicans in Congress who refuse to support efforts to impeach Biden. He called for the halting of military support to Ukraine until the Biden administration cooperates with GOP investigations into his family’s business dealings. These remarks echo the events that led to Trump’s first impeachment. House Republicans have been investigating the Biden family’s finances, particularly payments received by Hunter Biden from a Ukrainian energy company.
Trump’s call for Republicans to prioritize investigations into Biden and his family, as well as his threats to primary those who do not support these efforts, demonstrate his determination to maintain control and influence within the GOP.