Launches 2024 campaign at Waco rally on Branch Davidian siege anniversary

Trump held his first major 2024 campaign rally in Waco, Texas — deliberately scheduled near the 30th anniversary of the deadly FBI siege of the Branch Davidian compound. The date and location sent a message to anti-government extremists. Trump opened the rally with a recording of Jan. 6 defendants singing the national anthem, called for 'retribution' against political enemies, compared his prosecutions to 'Stalinist Russia,' and claimed the 2024 election would be 'the final battle.' The symbolism was unmistakable: Trump was aligning himself with federal siege mythology central to right-wing militia movements.

"2024 is the final battle. With you at my side, we will demolish the deep state. We will expel the warmongers from our government... I am your warrior. I am your justice. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution." — Waco rally, March 25, 2023