Former President Donald Trump marked the day before his 78th birthday with a festive celebration orchestrated by Republicans in Congress. Despite having faced ostracism from many lawmakers following the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, Trump was showered with well-wishes, a birthday cake, and gifts as a display of unwavering loyalty.
On the eve of his birthday, Trump is set to enjoy another celebration, this time with thousands of supporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, near his Mar-a-Lago residence. The event, organized by the 'Club 47' fan group, has drawn significant interest, with all 5,000 tickets selling out at prices ranging from $35 to $60 for prime seating.
Despite recent legal challenges, including being the first former president convicted of a felony, Trump continues to maintain a strong hold on a significant portion of his party's base and elected officials. He is slated to accept his party's presidential nomination for the third time next month.
During a recent visit to Capitol Hill, Trump met with House and Senate Republicans, where he was serenaded with a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' and presented with a baseball and bat as gifts. Senators later presented him with an American flag cake adorned with 45 candles, symbolizing his status as the 45th president, with two additional candles added to signify his potential future presidency as the 47th.
Despite past tensions, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky endorsed Trump earlier this year and engaged in a friendly exchange with him during the gathering. The event is expected to feature Trump discussing his recent legal verdict in New York, with sentencing scheduled for July 11.
The 'Club 47' fan group, based in Palm Beach County, aims to keep Trump's supporters connected and engaged, with a focus on fostering community support for the former president. Attendees, such as local Hispanic activist Lydia Maldonado, express excitement about the unique nature of the event and the opportunity to show their unwavering support for Trump.
Overall, the event serves as a platform for Trump to connect with his base and receive affirmation of the community's backing, particularly in his hometown of West Palm Beach, Florida.
