Global Courant 2023-04-15 07:25:34
Former President Donald Trump used his speech at the annual National Rifle Association convention on Friday to mock former Vice President Mike Pence and Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as he advocated for the nation to return him to the White House in next year’s presidential election.
On multiple occasions, Trump referred to DeSantis as “DeSanctus” as he rattled polls that showed him the clear front-runner in the race for the Republican nomination.
He also joked about Pence’s not-so-warm welcome during his speech at the convention earlier in the day, when he received loud boos from across the room filled with thousands in attendance.
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Former President Donald Trump addresses guests at the 2023 NRA-ILA Leadership Forum on April 14, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
“I hope you gave Pence a good warm endorsement,” Trump said, as members of the public once again booed at the mention of Pence’s name.
“It’s a big news story. You made the news today. I don’t know what you did, but you made the news today with the introduction you gave,” he added.
Pence and DeSantis are both reportedly considering launching their own bids for the White House, but neither has officially said if they plan to get involved. However, they each made a trip to the early game states in what often precedes an announcement.
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Former Vice President Mike Pence addresses guests at the 2023 NRA-ILA Leadership Forum on April 13, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
In addition to the subtle jabs, Trump used his speech to tout himself as the “most pro-gun, pro-Second Amendment president” to ever serve in the White House, vowing again to be a “loyal friend and fearless champion.” be like the 47th President of the United States.”
He said that if elected, he would ask Congress to send him a National Concealed Carry Reciprocity bill and ensure that Americans’ Second Amendment rights would be applied across state lines.
Trump slammed President Biden for his part in arming the government against law-abiding citizens, and for his failure to crack down on those who commit violent crimes across the country.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis addresses Iowa voters on March 10, 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
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He also made numerous references to the legal troubles he faces in New York State, but avoided going into detail about the intricacies of the case in which he was charged with 34 counts of felony forgery of business documents.
Brandon Gillespie is an associate editor at Fox News. Follow him on Twitter at @brandon_cg.
