Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump on Wednesday night backed away from “retaliation,” a key theme of his campaign so far, saying he won't have time to address it if he wins the 2024 election.

President Trump appeared on Fox News' Iowa Town Hall to discuss his campaign. Fox host Bret Baier questioned Trump about his previous statements about retaliation and asked how “excited” he was about his potential term in office. (Related: Federal judge rejects challenge to Trump's Nevada voting eligibility)

“So the question is, how much of President Donald Trump's second term, his second term, will be about retribution, retrospective and grievance, and how much will be forward-looking? ” asked Mr. Byer.

In response, President Trump said that while “many people” do not intend to downplay punishment based on the numerous “false rumors” against the former president, the second-term Trump administration “doesn't have the time to retaliate.” said.

Trump went on to say that in his view, the “ultimate revenge” was a “success,” and the audience cheered for the former president.

“First of all, a lot of people would say it's not that bad. Look at what they've done — Russia, Russia, Russian hoax, FBI/Twitter hoax, 51 agents. The hoaxes, all these different hoaxes that they've done,''' President Trump said.

“A lot of people would say that's probably pretty normal. We don't have time to retaliate. We're going to make this country successful again. We don't have time to retaliate. And remember this. Please, our ultimate reward is success.”

During his 2023 campaign, the former president made multiple comments regarding retaliation against opponents who tried to oust him during his first term. according to to the Washington Post.In one instance, President Trump was heard telling his supporters during a rally in July 2023 that voters should see Trump as “your revenge,” ABC News reported. report. (Related: Judge blocks President Trump from delivering closing argument in his own trial)

According to ABC News, the former president said he intends to go after the Biden family as well as parts of the federal government, including the Justice Department, in order to “completely eliminate the deep state.”

President Trump had previously expressed opposition to the Justice Department and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, citing ongoing allegations that they were involved in collusion with Russia.