During his appearance at a Fox News town hall in Iowa, former President Donald Trump voiced skepticism about President Joe Biden’s likelihood of being the Democratic candidate in the upcoming 2024 presidential race. Speaking with host Sean Hannity, Trump stated, “I personally don’t think he makes it. I haven’t said that before. I’m saying it now at this town hall. I don’t believe he’ll make it.” He commented on Biden’s physical and mental condition, suggesting Biden is in poor health.
Trump’s comments were a reaction to Biden’s earlier remarks to donors, where Biden had indicated he might not run in 2024 if Trump wasn’t also running. Trump implied that Biden’s comment was a strategic talking point rather than a spontaneous statement.
A notable moment during the town hall was Trump’s assertion that he would act as a “dictator” on his first day back in office, focusing on stringent border control and boosting fossil fuel drilling. Trump clarified, “After that day, I wouldn’t be a dictator.”
Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Biden’s campaign manager, reacted to Trump’s statement, warning that Trump’s declaration of dictatorial intentions on his first day should be taken at face value.
Trump also shared various policy proposals throughout the town hall, including funding senior benefits through increased drilling and confidently predicted his success in the forthcoming Iowa caucuses. He criticized Biden, particularly targeting Biden’s claim that “democracy is at stake” due to Trump and his “extreme MAGA” supporters. Trump defended the MAGA movement, explaining it as an acronym for “Make America Great Again,” and argued that under Biden, the country is experiencing a decline.
In essence, Trump’s participation in the Fox News town hall was marked by his doubts regarding Biden’s potential nomination in 2024, his readiness to adopt aggressive measures on critical issues if reelected, and his ongoing critique of the current administration’s direction and policies.