Trump dodges Jan. 6 question, brags about polls at Mar-A-Lago party

Former President Donald Trump ignored a question about the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol and bragged about his “fantastic” polls at his New Year’s Eve party at his Mar-a-Lago resort.

Most embarrassing for Trump was that he offered “media availability” at Mar-a-Lago and no cable outlet (including right-wing Newsmax) covered him, Raw Story reported.

Marginal conservative media Right Side Broadcasting Network posted a video of Trump speaking for a few minutes to what sounded like very few reporters outside. He criticized the FBI, called for a “strong border” and opposed any aid to Ukraine against the Russian invasion.

He “stepped away from a question about how this week’s second anniversary of the Jan. 6 violence and alleged coup attempt on the United States Capitol should be observed,” the Palm reported. Beach Post. He also ignored questions about his support for banning abortion and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ call for an investigation into COVID-19 vaccines.

Trump turned his greetings to his loyal Mar-a-Lago members inside the hall into a political speech as he denounced inflation and the “unleashed” war in Ukraine. He also took a not-too-veiled dig at Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for failing to get more privately-owned Southwest Airlines flights off the ground in recent weeks.

The Palm Beach Post pointed to a notable lack of celebrities who have attended Trump parties in the past, reporting that the most high-profile attendees were the usual suspects from his political circle, such as Rudy Giuliani, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell and the second eldest son. Eric Trump and his wife, Lara.

Trump still believes he can run the media and continues to act like he’s the president at his “Barbie Dream House” in Mar-a-Lago, a longtime confidant told The Washington Post last month.

He was surprised by how little backlash his comments are getting in the news, according to aides. In early 2021, Trump reportedly asked advisers if he could convene a White House-like press pool for a Mar-a-Lago event.

“We had to explain to him that there was no more band waiting for him,” a former aide told the Post. “The networks do not broadcast his rallies. He doesn’t get any more interviews. He can’t stand under the wing of Air Force One and gag [with reporters] during one hour.”