Former President Donald Trump compared President Joe Biden’s administration to the secret police force of Nazi Germany, calling it a “Gestapo administration.” Trump made these comments at a private donor retreat at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. He criticized Biden’s leadership, calling him incompetent, crooked, and the “Manchurian candidate.” Trump also expressed surprise and dismay over his recent indictment, referring to the prosecutor as an “evil thug” and “deranged.” The Biden campaign did not immediately respond to these remarks.
Amid his legal troubles, Trump has been attending a criminal trial in Manhattan related to hush money payments to an adult film star. He has had limited time for campaigning, but has been actively preparing for the upcoming presidential election. At the retreat, Trump brought on stage several potential vice presidential candidates, including Senator Tim Scott, Representative Elise Stefanik, Governor Doug Burgum, Senator JD Vance, Senator Marco Rubio, Representative Byron Donalds, and Governor Kristi Noem. Trump praised Stefanik for her role in challenging former Harvard President Claudine Gay and highlighted Vance’s transformation from a critic to a supporter.
During the retreat, Trump acknowledged Rubio and Donalds as potential VP picks from Florida, despite the constitutional prohibition against electors voting for a president and vice president from their own states. Trump also commended Burgum for his personal wealth and business success. Noem, who had to leave early, was praised by Trump as someone he loves and has supported for a long time. At the event, Trump also offered the opportunity for donors who contributed $1 million on the spot to join him on stage.
The luncheon at Mar-a-Lago featured various elected officials, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, who attended the event alongside potential vice presidential candidates. Trump expressed admiration for Scott, who he described as an excellent surrogate, and Vance, who he acknowledged had initially been critical of him. Trump highlighted the qualities of each candidate and seemed to approve of their potential roles on his leadership team. The retreat drew a crowd of Republican donors and supporters, who were interested in Trump’s views and plans for the upcoming election.
Overall, Trump’s remarks at the retreat showcased his determination to challenge Biden and his administration, while also highlighting potential vice presidential candidates for his own campaign. His comparisons to Nazi Germany and criticisms of the current administration reflect his ongoing efforts to rally support and cast doubt on his opponents. The event at Mar-a-Lago provided a platform for Trump to engage with donors and potential running mates, demonstrating his continued influence within the Republican Party and his aspirations for political leadership in the future.
