Trump brands upcoming vote as 'day of judgement', calling himself a 'proud dissident'

Trump triumphed in the Republican primaries in South Carolina on Saturday, overcoming his rival Nikki Haley in her home state. Prior to the voting, the former U.S. president addressed the attendees of the Washington Conservative Political Action Conference.

"For hard-working Americans, November 5 (presidential election day) will be our new day of liberation. But, for the deceivers, swindlers, crooks, censors and fraudsters who have seized control of our government, it will be a day of judgement," stated Trump, to a wave of applause.

The politician proposed, "when we win, the veil will descend upon their corrupt governance and the sun will rise ushering in a new, bright future for America". "I stand before you today not only as your ex-president and, I hope, your future president, but also as a proud political dissident. I am a dissident," he declared.

Trump's remarks about the 'day of judgement' could be interpreted ominously, taking into account the events of January 6, 2021, where an attack on the Capitol took place. In December 2023, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that the storming by Trump supporters was a rebellion, and his incendiary speech to the protesters on that day insinuated his involvement in this chaos. The then-president was advising his voters to "go to the Capitol and show strength". Trump also stated that if "they don't fight like hell, (...) they won't have a country anymore."

It is worth mentioning that the U.S. Supreme Court began hearings in early February on Donald Trump's appeal concerning the ruling of Colorado's Supreme Court. The ruling was related to Trump's instigation to attack the Capitol on January 6, which led to his disqualification from participation in the state's primaries and elections.

Reuters reported that a few days ago, Trump likened himself to the late Russian oppositionist Alexei Navalny. He claimed he is "persecuted for political reasons", likely referring to his multiple court cases.

Trump also spoke about "droves of illegal newcomers crossing our borders" and cautioned against the "collapse" of social security and education systems in the U.S. "That's the stake of these elections. Our country is being destroyed and the only barrier standing between you and this destruction is me." The former president asserted.