5 months ago
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NEW DELHI: Former US president and republican candidate
Donald Trump
celebrated his 78th birthday on Friday night with a multi-tiered cake featuring various Trump-related themes, such as a "Make America Great Again" baseball cap, an American flag, and a depiction of Trump golfing.
Speaking to an adoring audience in Florida, he repeatedly criticized his rival in the upcoming November
, 81-year-old President
Joe Biden
, suggesting that he is too weak to handle a second term in office.
Trump told the crowd, "Our country is being destroyed by incompetent people," and devoted a significant portion of his speech to mocking Biden. He even suggested that "all presidents should have aptitude tests."
The birthday celebration took place at a convention center in West Palm Beach, close to Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence. The event was organized by the "Club 47" fan club.
When Trump took the stage, the crowd sang "Happy Birthday" and chanted "USA! USA!" The event sold out of 5,000 tickets, with prices ranging from $35 to $60 depending on proximity to the stage.
During his speech, Trump reiterated his familiar campaign plans, including discussing immigration in threatening terms, promising to reduce regulations, eliminate environmental protections to boost domestic energy production, and cut taxes.
Despite his frequent criticism of Biden, Trump also delivered a seemingly contradictory message to his supporters, encouraging them to vote early, by mail, and in person on Election Day, only to later remark, "I actually tell our people, we don't need your vote. We've got so many votes."
Trump witnessed unwavering support from his party's base and elected officials, despite becoming the first former president to be convicted of a felony. Trump is scheduled to accept his party's presidential nomination for the third time next month, despite facing sentencing in his hush money case on July 11.
