Byron Donalds threatens to shut down the government unless Joe Biden secures the border in fiery start to CPAC: Lara Trump endorses early voting as MAGA fans descend on Washington

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) kicked off the first day of the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, DC, on Thursday, demanding that President Joe Biden secure the southern border or face a government shutdown.

“My position with my colleagues on Capitol Hill is either you secure the border or you don’t get any money for the government,” Donalds said.

The audience enthusiastically supported the idea, clapping and cheering ‘Shut it down’

Donalds castigated Biden for failing American citizens as he turned his attention to defense financing for Ukraine.

“Decide, Joe Biden. Which country is more important to you? The border of the United States or the border of Ukraine?’ he asked.

Donalds denounced the growing violent crime in America’s major cities, especially New York City

Donalds said many of his Republican colleagues were squeamish about the idea of ​​a government shutdown, and warned him that ultimately they would never win a showdown with Democrats over government funding.

“I say there has never been an issue facing this country that has more united the American people,” he said to loud applause.

Lara Trump, former campaign advisor to former President Donald Trump, delivers remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)

Lara Trump, former campaign advisor to former President Donald Trump, delivers remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)

Lara Trump approves early voting prior to the RNC co-chairman’s bid

Lara Trump took the stage at CPAC to support her father-in-law, but also said former President Trump endorsed her as co-chair of the Republican Finance Committee.

The audience cheered her enthusiastic mention of the idea, prompting her to talk about it.

“This is a position because I never thought I would run for office, but I also never thought our country would be in a difficult situation.”

She kicked off her bid by urging conservatives to embrace early voting, a position that drew only mild applause.

“The truth is, if we want to compete with Democrats, we can’t wait until Election Day,” she said. “If we want to compete and win, we must embrace early voting. The days of waiting until Election Day to vote are over.”

She urged activists to vote early and encourage their friends to do the same.

“We have to fight the fire, not with fire but with dynamite,” she said.

Ben Carson defends Trump against multiple felony charges

Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson gave a sober speech in which he defended former President Donald Trump against the many charges against him.

“Trump’s only crime is that he represents the American people first and that’s why they’re trying to put him in jail for the rest of his life, tie him up in court, take all his assets, they’re terrified of him,” he told those gathered. .

Carson warned that American institutions would turn against conservatives, especially law enforcement institutions.

“The law is being used to continuously harass upstanding citizens while the real criminals remain untouched,” he said.

“For our leaders, you and I are the enemy, not the carjackers, and the looters and the criminals who roam our cities,” he added.

Carson warned leaders that they would lose American support and face consequences.

“America is founded on the idea that all political power comes from the consent of the governed,” he said, adding, “Washington is losing its legitimate claim to govern the American people.”