Nonetheless, as Mr. Trump stood within the ornate second-floor foyer of the State Capitol — simply outdoors the Home chamber the place Mr. Scott served earlier than working for Congress, and a ground above the governor’s workplace that helped Ms. Haley elevate her nationwide profile — his selection of venue could possibly be considered as a direct message to his potential challengers.
“Collectively, we’ll full the unfinished enterprise to make America nice once more,” Mr. Trump mentioned earlier than introducing his management staff.
Earlier than the occasion, Mr. Trump advised reporters that the death of Tyre Nichols, a Black man who was overwhelmed by Memphis law enforcement officials, was “horrible” however not cause alone to name for police reform. “It’s important to get the fitting those that know when it’s important to be powerful and when to not be powerful,” Mr. Trump mentioned of regulation enforcement. “This was a case of being very, very powerful — overly, overly loopy. And it was unhappy to look at, it was a really unhappy factor to look at. He was begging for his mom.”
Jane Brady, a Republican Nationwide Committee member from Delaware, mentioned Mr. Trump’s pugilistic persona had lengthy been a distraction from his insurance policies, which, typically, a lot of the social gathering helps.
“Some folks look previous that, and a few folks don’t,” she mentioned.
Alex Olson, a Republican strategist, was in Salem, N.H., on behalf of Ron to the Rescue, a brand new tremendous PAC that’s pushing for a 2024 bid by Mr. DeSantis. (The governor and the group are unaffiliated.)
“We’ve no downside with what Trump has performed as president,” Mr. Olson mentioned. “I supported him. However DeSantis can convey collectively the Chamber of Commerce Republicans and the MAGA Republicans. He’s much less bombastic, and he understands the legislative course of.”
Michael C. Bender reported from Columbia, S.C., and Mei-Ling McNamara from Salem, N.H. Reid J. Epstein contributed reporting from Washington, and Maggie Haberman from New York.