Trump seems happy to avoid commenting on Epstein filespublished at 02:14 GMT
02:14 GMT
Bernd Debusmann Jr
Reporting from Rocky Point, North Carolina
Image source, BBC / Bernd Debusmann Jr
I’m currently in Rocky Point, North Carolina, where the President just began speaking.
This event is, so far, very reminiscent of the many campaign rallies I attended last year. Trump is here stumping for Michael Whatley, a Senate candidate and former head of the Republican National Committee.
His remarks have so far focused heavily on the economy – with the president touting his record on prices, tariffs and his recently announced $1,776 ‘warrior dividend’ for US troops.
The speech has gotten a warm response from the crowd. After he came in – to the tune of “Proud to be an American” – a young woman to my left shouted “we love you so much!”, which the crowd appreciated.
The president has so far not mentioned the release of the Epstein files – and among the press travelling with him, there is no expectation that he will do so.
The issue is one that he, and the White House, seem happy to avoid – even if there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on his part.
Notably, he delivered no remarks and answered no questions when he took off from Washington, on the flight or upon arrival here.
He also did not answer any questions at the White House earlier today – which is somewhat uncharacteristic for a man who seems to revel in his interactions with the press.
We have a long night ahead of us, however, and one never knows when he may decide to speak to the reporters traveling with him.