Trump rallies with former rivals in New Hampshire ahead of primary
Scott, Ramaswamy and Burgum endorse Trump as the GOP frontrunner
Former President Trump held a rally in Laconia, New Hampshire, on Monday night, where he was joined by three of his former primary opponents who have endorsed him for the 2024 Republican nomination.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) all spoke on stage and praised Trump's leadership and achievements, while criticizing President Biden and the Democratic agenda.
The rally, which drew thousands of supporters, was Trump's final campaign event before Tuesday's first-in-the-nation primary, where he is expected to win by a wide margin over his only remaining challenger, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.
A show of force and unity
A Trump campaign official told Fox News Digital that the rally was designed as a "show of force" that the Republican Party is "united and ready to take on Joe Biden".
Scott, Ramaswamy and Burgum all ran against Trump in the crowded GOP primary field, but dropped out and endorsed him in recent months. Scott, who is considered a potential vice presidential pick for Trump, announced his endorsement on Friday, after months of staying neutral.
Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and author, suspended his campaign in January, shortly after the Iowa caucuses.
Burgum, who is in his second term as governor, endorsed Trump in late January, just before the New Hampshire primary.
The three former candidates expressed their admiration and gratitude for Trump, and urged the voters to support him in the primary and the general election.
"President Trump has proven that he is the only leader who can restore America's greatness and defeat the radical left," Scott said.
"He has my full and unwavering support, and I will do everything I can to help him win in November."
Ramaswamy, who is of Indian descent, said he was inspired by Trump's vision and courage, and denounced the "woke" culture and cancel culture that he said are threatening the American values and freedoms.
"President Trump is the only one who can stand up to the woke mob and the corrupt elites who want to destroy our country," Ramaswamy said.
"He is the true champion of the American dream, and I am proud to stand with him."
Burgum, who announced on Monday that he would not seek a third term as governor, said he was impressed by Trump's accomplishments and policies, especially on the economy, energy and trade.
"President Trump has delivered on his promises and made America stronger and more prosperous," Burgum said. "He has been a great friend and ally to North Dakota, and I look forward to working with him in his second term."
Trump touts his record and attacks Biden
Trump, who received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the crowd, thanked his endorsers and praised them as "great patriots and leaders".
He then proceeded to tout his record and achievements during his first term, such as rebuilding the military, securing the border, renegotiating trade deals, cutting taxes and regulations, appointing conservative judges, and developing vaccines for the coronavirus.
He also attacked Biden and the Democrats for their handling of the pandemic, the economy, immigration, foreign policy, and other issues, and accused them of being "weak, corrupt and incompetent".
"Biden is a disaster for America. He has surrendered our country to China, Iran, Russia and the radical left.
He has opened our borders to millions of illegal aliens, criminals and terrorists. He has destroyed our energy independence and our jobs.
He has betrayed our allies and emboldened our enemies.
He has imposed a socialist agenda that is ruining our schools, our health care, and our freedoms," Trump said.
Trump also repeated his claims that the 2020 election was "rigged" and "stolen" from him, and vowed to "fight like hell" to restore election integrity and "make America great again".
He urged his supporters to turn out in large numbers and vote for him in the primary and the general election, and promised to "win back the White House" and "save America".
"We are going to make history together. We are going to win New Hampshire. We are going to win the nomination. We are going to win the election. And we are going to keep America first, America strong, and America free," Trump said. "We are one movement, one people, one family, and one glorious nation under God. And together, we will make America greater than ever before. Thank you, and God bless America.".
