Donald Trump to mark return to the stage with attack on Joe Biden in immigration speech

Republicans are braced for Donald Trump's return to the political stage on Sunday with a speech capping a party conference dominated by loyalty to the former president.

In his first speech since leaving the White House, Mr Trump is expected to further stake his claim as his party's ideological leader with attacks on Joe Biden and a strong emphasis on immigration

The address marks his first major public appearance since retreating to Mar-a-Lago, his private club in southern Florida, after quitting Washington last month.

It comes at the end of a three-day conference, during which other potential 2024 Republican candidates have fallen in line behind Mr Trump by espousing his America-first agenda.

"Let me tell you right now, Donald J Trump ain't going anywhere," Texas senator Ted Cruz told attendees.

Another potential 2024 contender, Florida senator Rick Scott, told the audience: "We will not win the future by trying to go back to where the Republican Party used to be. If we do, we will lose the working base that President Trump so animated."

Mr Trump's eldest son, Donald Jr, told attendees his father's speech will "solidify" his position "as the future of the Republican Party".

Republican leaders in Congress who have suggested the party divest from Mr Trump, including senator Mitch McConnell and congresswoman Liz Cheney, have not been invited to the annual gathering. Ms Cheney was ridiculed by Mr Trump Jr in his speech.

In anticipation of Mr Trump's appearance, CPAC attendees have been posing with a gold-plated statue of him. His appearance will follow a presidential straw poll that he is widely expected to win.

Although the speech will underscore Mr Trump's dominance over the party and its future electoral hopes, aides suggest he is undecided over whether to run for a second term in 2024.

During his public hiatus, Mr Trump has formed a new political apparatus at his Florida base, hiring former campaign advisers and reportedly considering launching another political action committee (PAC) to raise cash and push his agenda.

His speech is likely to deepen the rift with ant-Trump Republicans pressing for a clean break before the next election.

“The only divide in the Republican Party is between the grassroots and a half a dozen ... insiders,” Mr Trump is expected to say.