Donald Trump made his first visit to Capitol Hill since the riot by his supporters at Congress three years ago, meeting with Republicans as he prepares for the upcoming presidential election in November.
During the visit, the former president emphasised unity within the party, pledging to resolve any remaining differences among Republicans. Later in the day, Trump also held discussions with a group of 200 corporate leaders.
Reacting to Trump’s return, Nancy Pelosi, the former Democratic House Speaker, issued a statement condemning him as the “instigator of an insurrection” who was now “returning to the scene of the crime.”
Trump’s visit occurred two weeks after his criminal conviction in New York for falsifying business records related to a hush-money trial.
Arriving at a Republican office building near the US Capitol on Thursday morning, Trump encountered a small group of protesters holding signs denouncing him for the alleged “failed coup” and asserting, “Democracy Forever, Trump Never.”
In a brief press conference later that afternoon, Trump expressed confidence in the party’s unity and pledged support to fellow Republicans, even those he may have disagreements with.
I’m with every one of you. I’ll be with you always,” he said. “If [a relationship] wasn’t fantastic, it gets worked out.
“We have one thing in mind, and that’s making our county great again.”
Trump did not take questions, but waved and gave a thumbs up at a small group of supporters shouting, “I love you.”
“Thank you,” he mouthed in response.
Following a meeting between Trump and House Republicans earlier in the day, House Speaker Mike Johnson said the former president “brought an extraordinary amount of energy and enthusiasm this morning.”.
“That is what we’re seeing in the party throughout the country,” Mr. Johnson said. “We believe we are going to win back the White House, and the Senate and grow the House majority.”
Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican, described Trump’s meeting with House Republicans as a “pep-rally environment” for the former president.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, told reporters she saw nothing but “overwhelming support for Trump” among the party rank-and-file.
“I am glad to see Republicans here in Washington rallying around President Trump and his candidature as president,” she said.
Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, who has been openly critical of Trump in the past, called the visit “really positive.”.
“He got a lot of standing ovations,” Mr McConnell added.
In addition to Mr McConnell, two other Trump critics within the party—Utah Senator Mitt Romney and Louisiana’s Bill Cassidy – were at the meeting.
Senator Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, described Trump as “extremely gracious” and “warm” to Senate Republicans.
“I guess I’ve just been here five years, and that’s probably the warmest meeting that I have been in with senators and Trump,” he told reporters.
Mr Hawley said that Trump spoke about abortion “quite a lot” at the meeting, where he reiterated his stance that voters should be the ones to decide on the issue.