‘We need him back’

PALM BEACH, United States (AFP) — A ballroom packed with supporters of former president Donald Trump erupted when he announced Tuesday his candidacy for president in the 2024 United States election.

"I am tonight announcing my candidacy for president of the United States," Trump declared amid chants of "Trump, Trump, Trump" at his Mar-a-Lago home.

There was no doubt who should be the Republican standard-bearer in 2024.

"He is chosen by God to fight for our country. His patriotism inspires us to support him," 50-year-old Stephanie Liu, an American citizen who was born in China, said.

"I am super excited. I feel like it's almost Christmas morning, and Santa Claus is coming," a grinning Stacey Bovasso, 54, said. "Donald J. Trump is our president, and we need him back."

"This new administration is destroying America and everything it stands for," Eric Pardi told AFP.

"They're destroying our national independence, our border, our economy, and our law and order."

"That man loves this country and stands for it and that's what a president should be, somebody who stands and defends our Constitution."

Trump's announcement sets the stage for a bruising Republican nomination battle after a poor midterm election showing by his hand-picked candidates weakened his grip on the party.

"America's comeback starts right now," the 76-year-old former president told hundreds of supporters gathered in an ornate American flag-draped ballroom at his palatial residence in Florida.

"In order to make America great and glorious again, I am tonight announcing my candidacy for president of the United States," Trump said, minutes after filing the official paperwork for his third presidential run.

In his announcement speech, Trump also attacked President Joe Biden over inflation, crime and immigration, mocked climate change and congratulated himself for toppling the Islamic State, keeping North Korea in check and building a border wall with Mexico.

"Under our leadership, we were a great and glorious nation. But now we are a nation in decline," he said. "This is not just a campaign this is a quest to save our country."

"In two years the Biden administration has destroyed the US economy," he said. "With a victory we will again build the greatest economy ever."

"The blood-soaked streets of our once great cities are cesspools of violent crimes," he said, vowing to "restore and secure America's borders."