Editorial: Trump's speech reveals his political intentions

US President Donald Trump, speaking in a video released shortly after he was impeached for an historic second time. Photo / White House, Screengrab via YouTube

Editorial

EDITORIAL

Defeated US President Donald Trump used a rare chance to address the nation this week to communicate with his support base in a video released by the White House, largely interpreted as an attempt to quell further unrest.

Whether the video was recorded before or after the impeachment vote was carried is not known, but it doesn't matter. It was released shortly after the vote and conveyed key messages of support for his backers.

"Mob violence goes against everything I believe in and everything our movement stands for," Trump intoned.

Note the use of the words "our movement". He speaks of his support and momentum in current tense and this gels with his Twitter message shortly before his account was suspended that "our journey is only beginning".

Within the first minute and a half, Trump referred to "our movement" three times.

Just past the two minute mark, he spoke of "our agenda". "I am asking everyone who has ever believed in our agenda to be thinking of ways to ease tensions, calm tempers, and help to promote peace in our country."

While the video appeared to be a presidential address, calling for an end to violence and to restore calm, it also spoke to his supporters of a continuation of the Make America Great Again movement and agenda.

More specifically, he also declared attempts to silence his supporters "dangerous".

And still no mention of the word most Americans want to hear, concession.

This is just one more reason the impeachment is important in preventing Trump's objective of a return to office.

The article of impeachment against President Donald Trump on a table before House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Photo / Alex Brandon, AP