WATERLOO, Iowa—In a setting adorned with Christmas trees and his iconic “Make America Great Again” red ball caps, former President Donald Trump immersed himself in the yuletide mood at the Waterloo Convention Center, deliberately overlooking the recent Colorado Supreme Court decision that could impact his 2024 presidential run.
The Dec. 19 ruling, which removed his name from the ballot, seemed to be of little concern to him as he greeted a crowd of approximately 1,000 supporters with a festive “Merry Christmas.”
Championing Religious Freedom
Trump’s discourse then took a spiritual turn, highlighting the importance of Christmas and outlining proposals to shield Christians and other faith groups from governmental oppression.
“Americans of faith are the soul of our country,” he affirmed, urging Iowans to support him in the upcoming caucuses.
Notably, Trump’s hour-long speech concluded without any reference to the legal setback in Colorado, a decision that appeared insignificant to many of his followers at the rally.
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Supporters’ Unwavering Loyalty
The Epoch Times gathered reactions from several attendees, including 64-year-old Kevin Briden of Waterloo, who dismissed the court’s verdict as “idiotic.”
Briden speculated that Trump’s silence on the matter indicated his lack of concern.
He also expressed a change in his perspective towards the numerous legal actions against Trump, seeing them as a means for the former president to establish legal precedents.
Campaign’s Response to the Ruling
While some media outlets labeled the Colorado court’s decision as a major event, Trump’s campaign dismissed it as a flawed judgment by a partisan court.
Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, confidently anticipated a favorable verdict from the U.S. Supreme Court and criticized the ruling as an attempt to interfere with the election and hinder Trump’s campaign against President Joe Biden.
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The Colorado Court’s Assertion
The court’s decision was based on allegations of Trump’s involvement in the events of Jan. 6, 2021.
The former president maintains his stance on the 2020 election results, a topic he revisited during his Iowa speech.
However, he primarily focused on religious themes, highlighting the persecution of Christians under the current administration.
Advocating for Religious Liberties
Trump condemned the alleged government surveillance of religious institutions and promised to establish a task force to address discrimination against Christians if re-elected.
He reiterated his commitment to religious freedom and the national motto “In God We Trust,” recalling his efforts to revive the phrase “Merry Christmas.”
Contrasting Presidential Approaches to Christmas
He critiqued President Biden for omitting any mention of Jesus Christ at the National Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony, a stark contrast to his own tenure when he openly celebrated the Christian significance of Christmas.
Trump’s dedication to religious liberty extended beyond Christianity, encompassing support for Israel and the Jewish community.
A Deeper Connection to Faith
Kevin Briden, echoing the sentiments of many Trump supporters, noted a more heartfelt emphasis on Christian faith in Trump’s speech, suggesting a deeper spiritual commitment from the former president.
As the holiday season concludes, Trump and other Republican candidates are expected to intensify their campaign efforts in Iowa, vying for the crucial support of the state’s voters.
In summary, despite the legal challenge in Colorado, Trump’s focus in Iowa was firmly on religious freedom and the Christmas spirit, resonating with his supporters and highlighting his commitment to faith and traditional values.
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