Former President Donald Trump made controversial remarks at a recent Republican fundraiser at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, comparing President Joe Biden’s administration to the Gestapo, the secret police force of Nazi Germany. Attendees at the event, speaking anonymously, described Trump’s comments as he accused the White House of orchestrating legal troubles against him, including ongoing criminal prosecutions.
Republican Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota downplayed Trump’s statement, calling it a minor comment in the larger context of the event. However, he acknowledged that Trump drew parallels between Biden’s administration and his legal challenges, suggesting political motivation behind the trials.
Trump’s comments were reported by The New York Times, sparking backlash from Biden’s reelection campaign. A campaign spokesman condemned Trump’s remarks as insulting and despicable, criticizing his rhetoric and threats to democracy.
During the fundraiser, Trump also made optimistic remarks about his future political endeavors, promising to go on the offensive against Biden. He hinted at potential vice presidential picks and praised several GOP figures in attendance.
The event raised over $76 million in joint fundraising efforts, with a focus on attracting deep-pocketed donors. Trump also repeated false claims of election fraud and alleged that Democrats use welfare programs to buy votes.
Trump’s controversial statements echo past instances of Republican candidates connecting social programs to Democratic electoral success. The event highlighted the ongoing political divide and contentious rhetoric in the lead-up to the 2024 election.