At Trump Rally, Shades of His Campaign

President revisits familiar themes, says 'life is a campaign'
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Feb 19, 2017 12:03 AM CST
At Trump Rally, Shades of His Campaign
President Donald Trump, second from right, and first lady Melania Trump, third from left, wave to the crowd following the "Make America Great Again Rally" at Orlando-Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Fla., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017.    (Susan Walsh)

Just four weeks into his administration, President Trump appeared at a campaign rally that mirrored the months leading up to Election Day, complete with promises to repeal the health care law, insults for the news media, and a playlist highlighted by the Rolling Stones. "I want to be among my friends and among the people," Trump told a cheering crowd packed into an airport hangar in central Florida, praising his "truly great movement." Trump promised anew to build a border wall along the US-Mexico border, reduce regulations and create jobs. He also pledged to "do something over the next couple of days" to address the immigration order that has been blocked in the courts. Said Trump: "We don't give up, we never give up." Insisting he was the victim of false reporting, Trump said his White House was running "so smoothly" and that he "inherited one big mess." The president has been trying refocus after reports of disarray and dysfunction within his administration, reports the AP.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One beforehand, Trump said he was holding a campaign rally because "life is a campaign." "To make America great again is absolutely a campaign," he said. "It's not easy, especially when we're also fighting the press." Trump, who held a rally in the same spot in Florida in September, clearly relished being back in front of his supporters, welcoming the cheers and letting one supporter up on stage to offer praise. He also enjoyed reliving his surprise victory over Hillary Clinton. First lady Melania Trump introduced her husband at the rally, reciting the Lord's Prayer before offering her own pledge to act in the best interest of all Americans as she pursues initiatives she says will impact women and children around the world. The event had the familiar trappings of a Trump rally, including red Trump caps, "Make America Great Again" and "Trump/Pence" signs, and at least one sign reading "Hillary for Prison." (More President Trump stories.)

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