Trump’s Waco Rally Stunt Resurfaces as Key Evidence in Jack Smith’s Election Interference Case

The unsealed filing highlights Trump’s disturbing embrace of January 6 rioters and his dangerous rhetoric at a rally filled with bigotry, conspiracy theories, and violent undertones.

REUTERS/Leah Millis

Donald Trump’s Waco, Texas rally on March 25, 2023, which marked the first major rally of his 2024 presidential campaign, is now resurfacing in a big way in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s federal election interference case. Those who have followed us at the MeidasTouch Network know we have steadfastly covered Trump’s Waco event since it occurred with the utmost seriousness, and we have been appalled by the much of the media’s ignoring of the true significance of the event (at best) or sanewashing the event (at worst).

In a recently unsealed filing by Judge Tanya Chutkan, Smith points to Trump’s Waco stunt as a key moment where the former president publicly aligned himself with January 6 insurrectionists and doubled down on his anti-government, incendiary rhetoric. But the timing and location of this rally were no accident—it took place on the 30th anniversary of the Waco Siege, an infamous event that has long been a rallying cry for far-right, anti-government extremists.

Smith’s filing detailed Trump’s disturbing display at the Waco rally, where he opened the event with a song titled “Justice for All,” performed by the “January 6 Choir”—a group of convicted insurrectionists being held in a Washington, D.C. jail. Trump’s alignment with these violent actors, combined with the symbolic location of Waco, paints a clear picture of his continued flirtation with extremist movements and his efforts to cast himself as a martyr fighting against government overreach, much like the Branch Davidians, whose 51-day standoff with federal authorities in 1993 ended in a deadly inferno. By the way, if you would like to read our breakdown of the most stunning revelations from Smith’s filing, you can do so by reading our story here:

Waco Siege: A Dark Anniversary and Its Resonance with Trump’s Cult-Like Following

The decision to hold Trump’s inaugural 2024 election campaign rally on the 30th anniversary of the Waco Siege speaks volumes about his ongoing attempts to appeal to far-right, anti-government factions. The Waco Siege involved federal agents raiding the compound of the Branch Davidians, a religious sect led by David Koresh, resulting in a fiery conclusion that claimed the lives of 76 people. To anti-government militias and extremists, the Waco Siege became a symbol of federal tyranny and fueled a cult-like reverence for figures who stand up against perceived government oppression.

Trump’s willingness to hold his rally on such a charged anniversary, combined with his own rhetoric about a “rigged” 2020 election and his disdain for federal investigations, makes the parallels between his own movement and extremist anti-government cults like the Branch Davidians unmistakable. Just as Koresh’s followers believed they were under siege from the federal government, Trump’s most die-hard supporters, especially those who stormed the Capitol on January 6, see themselves as "patriots" fighting against an oppressive system—a narrative that Trump has repeatedly encouraged.

A Rally of Bigotry, Extremism, and Dangerous Rhetoric

Trump’s rally in Waco was more than just a dog whistle to anti-government extremists; it was a full-throated embrace of the most radical elements of his base. Below are key moments from the rally:

• The rally kicked off with a tirade by Ted Nugent, who referred to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy as a “homosexual weirdo” to cheers from the crowd.

• Matt Gaetz served up some homophobia for the crowd.

• Marjorie Taylor Greene before Trump’s rally on a possible indictment in New York: "Once we cross this line in this country, America is over as you know it." (This was prior to Trump's indictment and conviction.)

• Greene with a tinge of antisemitism: "Here we have Alvin Bragg, on the verge of breaking the law, as he's trying to please his Master, George Soros."

During the rally itself, more extreme rhetoric followed:

• Greene: "We elected [Trump] in 2016 and 2020."

• Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: "When Trump was President, there was no DEI, ESG, or drag queen shows with children attending. He wouldn’t have put up with that for one moment."

Trump’s Anthem of Insurrection and Dangerous Promises

One of the most disturbing aspects of the rally was Trump’s decision to play an altered version of the national anthem sung by the “January 6 Choir,” a group of convicted insurrectionists, while footage of the Capitol riot played behind him. Trump stood with his hand over his heart, basking in the praise of the insurrectionists who attacked democracy in his name. This was more than just symbolic; it was a direct signal to his base that their violent actions were justified and even celebrated by Trump himself. Moreover, while the J6 Anthem played, Trump displayed images and video of the insurrection on large screens behind him. This celebration of this disgraceful attack on our nation was just the first of many times Trump would go on to do this at his various rallies.

We will make the photo of Trump celebrating the January 6 attack in Waco, as well as clips from the event, available to all of our paid supporters below. Paid supporters enable us to do this work, and we are grateful for each and every one of you!