Texans gather in Austin for American Freedom Tour

AUSTIN, Texas – Former President Donald Trump was in Austin on Saturday for the American Freedom Tour. It introduced collectively conservative voices for a days price of occasions on the Austin Conference Heart. 

Tickets ranged from $9 to $5,000. Some Texans paid the value, whereas others supported from outdoors or bought merchandise. 

Joey McKeown drove as much as Austin from San Antonio. He’s with a bunch known as Bikers For Trump, which helps re-electing the previous president to the best workplace in 2024. 

“I need to lastly see him in particular person,” McKeown stated. “I’m a giant fan of his.”

However his help doesn’t include doubts. 

“Like Biden, [Trump’s] up in age,” McKeown stated. “He might have all of the energy proper now, however you’re speaking 2024, plus you add one other 4 years, and add that on prime of his age now. I really like the man, and I’ll help him if he does run, however I’ve considerations.”

Others aren’t so involved. Meredith Langford of Belton, a metropolis between Austin and Waco, stated she purchased a ticket to help conservatives and the previous president.

“He helps our rights and backs up the American individuals and has our greatest curiosity at coronary heart, for positive,” she stated.

And if he have been to run once more in two years, Langford stated she’d help him. Alanna Clair drove up from Kyle, a metropolis south of Austin, to promote customized stickers. She didn’t purchase a ticket and spent her morning making an attempt to beat the warmth. 

Clair desires to see former President Trump run with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis or South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, as an alternative of former Vice President Mike Pence. Former President Trump’s go to to Austin, which may be recognized to some as a extra liberal metropolis, doesn’t shock her. 

“There may be nonetheless an enormous purple entrance right here in Texas, regardless of the place they’re coming from,” she stated. “For the reason that airport is shut, I’m positive they’re flying in as effectively, so it’s nice that we’re capable of be in a state that he’s.”

And whether or not the supporters have been outdoors or paid to go inside, the sentiment was the identical: They need to see POTUS 45 within the White Home as soon as once more. 

“Trump 2024, hopefully,” Langford stated.

Comply with Charlotte Scott on Twitter and Fb.