WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — Former President Donald Trump visited the nation’s capital Tuesday for the first time since leaving office in January 2021.
The former commander-in-chief as well as his former Vice President Mike Pence spoke at separate policy-focused events in D.C., a manifestation of the battle lines being drawn within the Republican Party as the former running mates jockey for influence among conservatives.
The timing of their visits could be telling as both are potential 2024 presidential challengers.
While Trump and Pence both battled for the spotlight in Washington at the dueling events less than one mile from each other, the former allies stand far apart on their message for the future of the Republican Party.
While speaking at the America First Agenda Summit, Trump painted a picture of American streets overrun by crime, drugs and migrants, saying, “The American dream is being torn to shreds.”
Trump also insisted that he won the 2020 election.
“I won, and I won a second time, did much better the second, did a lot better,” Trump said.
Earlier in the day, Pence spoke to a room of young conservatives saying he is optimistic about the future. He touted what he says are the high points of the Trump Pence Administration, saying the two see eye to eye on issues but differ on focus.
“I truly do believe that elections are about the future. That is absolutely essential at a time when so many Americans are hurting. So many families are struggling. That we don’t give way to the temptation to look back,” Pence said.
Both Trump and Pence sounded like they were ready to jump into the field. Whether they do remains to be seen.
Potential competition for Trump and Pence very may well lead to a crowded Republican field in 2024 with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Virginia Governor Glen Youngkin and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan all potentially looking to snag the GOP ticket.
The crowd of Trump’s supporters is eager to hear if he’s going to run again, setting up a potential matchup between himself and Joe Biden. While Trump didn’t come out and confirm it, he did say Democrats were trying to “stop me from doing it,” adding he doesn’t think they will succeed.