Arizona’s Republican Party canceled its Freedom Fest event after featured speaker Donald Trump was in New York instead, defending himself in court.
The former president was announced as Freedom Fest’s featured speaker on Jan. 15, and the event was scheduled for this Friday. However, the president is giving testimony in his defamation trial with E. Jean Carroll, and the state GOP had to pull the plug.
“Regrettably, the AZGOP Freedom Fest 2024 has been canceled as President @realDonaldTrump is required to attend to court obligations. We stand with him during this time and eagerly anticipate welcoming him back to Arizona in the near future,” the Arizona GOP X account said, followed by American flag emojis.
“Everyone who purchased a ticket will receive a full refund,” it added.
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Arizona’s Republican Party found itself engulfed in crisis this week when an audio recording was leaked showing then-Arizona GOP Chairman Jeff Dewit offering Senate candidate Kari Lake a bribe in exchange for staying out of the race. DeWit said the recording was deceptively edited but resigned the day after.
The party faces a pivotal 2024 after the change in leadership ahead of a crucial Senate race and the presidential election, in which Arizona is expected to play a major role.