Trump Headlines Minnesota Event

Former President Donald Trump said Friday that President Joe Biden would likely be “jacked up” for the upcoming debates scheduled between the two candidates. The former president made the remarks while headlining the Minnesota Republican Party’s annual Lincoln-Reagan dinner.

The former president was confident about his chances both in the debates and in the state. Trump narrowly missed carrying the state in 2016 and believes that he has a strong shot there in November.

Trump received a warm welcome from the crowd, who appeared to enjoy his characterization of the upcoming debates.

Trump said during the event that Biden would be “so jacked up” for the debates that he joked he would “demand a drug test for the president.” The former president also criticized Biden’s tellings of stories that later are found to have inaccurate details.

Happening Now—President Trump Keynotes the Minnesota GOP Annual Dinner at the St. Paul RiverCentre… pic.twitter.com/NJLrPr6O7Z

— Dan Scavino Jr.🇺🇸🦅 (@DanScavino) May 18, 2024

“We think we have a really good shot at Minnesota,” he told local media before the event. “We have great friendships up there.”

The Trump campaign “worked hard on Minnesota” he said and cited the efforts of House Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN). Emmer joined Trump at the event, alongside possible vice presidential pick North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R).

Both Trump and Biden accepted two debates instead of the customary three, with the first one taking place in June and the second in September.

The decision came after the former president challenged Trump to a debate, “anywhere” and “anytime.” Biden accepted the first debate option of June 27, which Trump did on social media, as well. Trump said that he was “looking forward to being in beautiful Atlanta” for the debate hosted by CNN.

The decision came after both campaigns decided against the traditional three-debate format set up by the Commission on Presidential Debates.

The Biden campaign said that they were confident of victory. Biden said on social media that he defeated Trump in both 2020 debates. A third debate was canceled after concerns over the coronavirus.

Biden told Trump in the message to “make my day, pal.”