The 76-year-old Republican, who wants to retake the White House in the 2024 presidential election, spoke to thousands of supporters in Waco, Texas. Trump had previously spoken of his first major campaign event in the 2024 presidential race. He is currently facing charges for paying hush money to porn actress Stormy Daniels in 2016.

The location of Trump's campaign event has already caused a stir in the run-up: 30 years ago, Waco was the scene of a massive police operation lasting several weeks against supporters of the Branch Davidians sect, as a result of which more than 80 people died.

The Texas city subsequently became a place of pilgrimage for right-wing extremists, who see Waco as a symbol of a tyrannical government that curtails citizens' rights. Critics accuse Trump of sending a signal to right-wing supporters in his supporters by choosing the location for his campaign appearance.

Trump said a week ago that he should be arrested in the Stormy Daniels case and called on his supporters to protest. He named last Tuesday as the day of the alleged arrest. To date, however, no charges have been filed, let alone an arrest. In the past few weeks, however, there have been increasing signs that Trump could soon be indicted.

The right-wing populist has recently escalated his attacks on Manhattan Attorney General Alvin Bragg, calling him a "depraved psychopath who really hates the United States." Trump warned that an indictment could lead to "death and destruction" and be "catastrophic" for the United States.