Trump Echoes Putin’s Criticism of Biden
At a campaign event in Durham, New Hampshire, former President Donald Trump quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin to criticize President Joe Biden, labeling him a “threat to democracy”. Trump quoted Putin’s remarks about Biden’s “politically motivated persecution of his political rival”, which Putin believes demonstrates the “rottenness of the American political system”.
Trump’s Praise for Authoritarian Leaders
Trump also expressed admiration for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, calling them “highly respected” and “very nice” respectively. These comments are consistent with Trump’s history of expressing fondness for foreign leaders known for their anti-democratic measures.
Trump’s Controversial Remarks on Immigration
Trump reiterated his controversial stance on immigration, claiming that immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country”. He argued that immigrants from all over the world are “pouring into the country”, a phrase that has previously sparked backlash from the Anti-Defamation League. Trump’s comments mark another instance of his use of increasingly violent rhetoric in his campaign messaging.
Trump’s Future Immigration Policies
According to a source familiar with the plans, Trump is planning a widespread expansion of his first administration’s hardline immigration policies if he is elected to a second term in 2024. This includes rounding up undocumented immigrants already in the US and placing them in detention camps to await deportation. Trump also reiterated his proposal to “restore and expand” the travel bans he first implemented in 2017, which targeted many Muslim-majority countries and African nations.
Reactions to Trump’s Remarks
Trump’s remarks have drawn criticism, with Biden campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa accusing Trump of parroting Adolf Hitler. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a GOP rival of Trump, reiterated the “huge risk” that people who cross the border illegally pose to Americans, but did not directly address Trump’s comments about immigrants “poisoning the blood of our country”.
Trump’s Campaign Efforts
Trump’s visit to New Hampshire is part of his efforts to solidify his status as the 2024 Republican front-runner. His team is making an aggressive effort to maintain his lead in the polls. Trump’s advisers have expressed concerns that Trump supporters could assume he has a comfortable advantage in the race and not vote. Trump has urged his supporters to vote, saying, “We are leading by a lot, but you have to go out and vote”.
Trump’s Rivals in the Republican Primary
Trump’s visit to New Hampshire comes after rival DeSantis’s visit to the state. Another opponent, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, appears to be gaining momentum in New Hampshire, with a recent endorsement by the state’s popular governor, Chris Sununu. Trump has criticized Sununu following the endorsement, calling him a “selfish guy who can’t get elected anything right now”.
Trump’s Position in the Polls
A recent CNN/University of New Hampshire poll of likely voters in New Hampshire’s Republican primary showed Trump with 42% support, with Haley, his closest challenger, at 20%. A Pew Research Center survey found 52% of Republican and Republican-leaning registered voters name Trump as their top choice in the primary, with DeSantis at 14%.