2023-06-13 21:53:00
(CNN) — Former President Donald Trump made an unexpected visit to the famous Versailles Cuban restaurant in Miami, after his historic appearance in federal court where he pleaded not guilty to the 37 criminal charges he faces in the classified documents case.
During the unscheduled stop before heading to the Miami airport, Trump shook hands and spoke to supporters who were waiting for him at the venue, located in Little Havana. Dozens of supporters of the former president surrounded him and appeared to pray with him.
“I think this is going very well. I think this is a rigged affair. We have a rigged country. We have a corrupt country. We have a country that has no borders, we have a country that has nothing but problems. We are a nation in decline and then they do these things, and you see where the people are. We love the people, and you see where they are now,” Trump said on camera when answering a question about his court appearance.
At some point, Trump could be heard saying “food for all.” He also expressed “what a group of people” as his supporters sang his happy birthday to him. Trump’s birthday is this Wednesday, June 14. “What a birthday, huh? We have a government that is out of control,” Trump said.
Trump aide Walt Nauta, who was also charged in the classified documents case, was at the restaurant with him.
Why did Trump visit Versailles?
The former president’s team decided to stop by the Versailles restaurant because it is the “main place” for the Cuban community in Miami, a source familiar with the decision told CNN.
“It is a community that knows political persecution very well,” the source explained.
Trump and his team have worked to portray their multiple legal battles as a “political witch hunt” and “election interference” by Democrats.
The visit resembled the kind of campaign stop Trump has been doing in Iowa and New Hampshire at restaurants and pizza places, as he tries to connect with voters in smaller venues outside of his rallies.
According to the group that travels with the former president, he was received by some shepherds who prayed with him and then ordered some cakes.
Kate Sullivan, Rashard Rose and Shawn Nottingham, all for CNN, contributed to this report.
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