According to MSN, former President Donald Trump, at a campaign rally in Durham, New Hampshire, made controversial statements quoting autocrats Vladimir Putin of Russia and Viktor Orban of Hungary. Trump defended himself against criminal charges and criticized the U.S. political system, quoting Putin’s remarks about the “rottenness” of American democracy.
Trump also aligned himself with Orban, referring to him as “highly respected” and praising him as “the man who can save the Western world.” Orban, known for amassing autocratic power and anti-immigration policies, has faced criticism from democratic leaders for eroding civil liberties and strengthening ties with Putin.
The speech included inflammatory language against undocumented immigrants, with Trump accusing them of “poisoning the blood of our country.” This phrase, reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s rhetoric in “Mein Kampf,” drew condemnation from immigrant groups and civil rights advocates.
Trump defended individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, referring to them as “hostages” rather than prisoners. He used this term to express sympathy for those detained awaiting trial.
The speech drew criticism from Democrats, with the Democratic National Committee stating that Trump is campaigning on an “extreme MAGA agenda” that threatens American freedoms. Despite beginning with an economic focus, the speech shifted to controversial topics, including immigration and the charges against Trump.
Trump’s recent strategy involves deflecting reports about seeking revenge on critics in a potential second term. He accuses President Biden of acting like a dictator due to the criminal charges against him, portraying them as coordinated persecution without evidence. This rhetoric has raised concerns about the impact on public perception and the potential confusion of voters regarding the true threats to democracy.
The speech concluded with an instrumental track associated with the QAnon online extremist movement, adding to the controversial nature of the event.
