In a speech after a series of primary wins Tuesday, Donald Trump addressed the extent of his win and his ability to "make America great again."
As of the publication of this article, Trump had been declared the winner of primaries in Alabama, Georgia, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Virginia, and Arkansas. At midnight, Trump was declared the winner of Vermont.
Former Republican presidential contender and New Jersey governor Chris Christie introduced Trump as the "strong, bold, tough, decisive leader" that America needs. Christie then lingered behind Trump throughout his speech, occasionally diverting his gaze from the back of Trump’s head.
"It takes a lot of courage to run for president. I have never done this before. I have been a job producer. I have done a lot of things. But this is something I have never done," Trump said.
Trump bashed Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.), calling him a "lightweight" and a "little senator," but congratulated Ted Cruz on his Texas primary win and acknowledged that he "worked hard."
He was also critical about Hillary Clinton’s ability to bring America to greatness.
"[Hillary Clinton] wants to make America whole again, and I’m trying to figure out, what is that about? Making America great again is going to be much better than making America whole again," Trump said.
After sizing up his rivals, Trump said that he has built a strong company and that he hopes to do the same for America.
"It’s been just so beautiful to watch this company grow and to watch it grow so strongly. ... And now we want to put that same ability into doing something for our nation," Trump said.
"Our nation is in serious trouble. We are being killed on trade. Absolutely destroyed," Trump said. "China is just taking advantage of us. I have nothing against China. I have great respect for China. But their leaders are too smart for our leaders."
Trump reminded listeners that America is strong but that the establishment is weak.
"We have tremendous power over everybody, because we are really the source. We have great, great power. The problem is we have politicians that truly, truly, truly don't know what they are doing. So, we are going to work very, very hard," Trump said.
He then promised to expand and strengthen America’s military.
"Nobody is going to mess with us, folks, nobody," Trump said.