Trump’s fiery rally speech has reignited his transatlantic feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, as the former President launches into claims of jihad in the UK. Here’s the full story.
Strange Rally Speech
Former President Donald Trump took some time out of his many ongoing court cases to deliver a strange rally speech, even by his wild standards.
Incendiary Remarks
During an election rally in Wisconsin, Trump made several incendiary remarks about London and how he believed the city had changed due to its openness to multiculturalism.
Open Door to Jihad
Trump claimed, without giving any evidence, that London had become “unrecognisable” after Europe had “opened its door to jihad.”
“No Longer Recognisable”
Trump ranted, “We’ve seen what happened when Europe opened its doors to jihad. Look at Paris, look at London, they’re no longer recognisable.”
“We Can’t Let That Happen”
He continued, “I’m gonna get myself into a lot of trouble with the folks in Paris and the folks in London, but you know what, that’s the fact. They are no longer recognisable and we can’t let that happen to our country.”
Racist and Inflammatory
Trump has had long-standing concerns over what he sees as the link between immigration and terrorism, which many have decried as racist and inflammatory.
“Incredible Culture, Tradition”
Trump added, “We have incredible culture, tradition. Nothing wrong with their culture, their tradition – we can’t let that happen here and I’ll never let it happen to the United States of America.”
“Hope Over Fear”
Trump’s comments were met with a barrage of criticism, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who told the Daily Mail, “Today is an opportunity to show Donald Trump… that London will always choose hope over fear and unity over division.”
“Bad Job”
Trump and Khan have some history of verbal sparring, with Trump previously claiming Khan had “done a terrible job in London” and “a very bad job on terrorism” before a visit to the capital while Trump was still President.
“I Think He’s Wrong”
In response, Khan quickly offered Trump a meeting where he could explain “in a respectful, courteous manner where I think he’s wrong on a couple of issues.”
Trump Baby Blimp
Khan also permitted the infamous “Trump baby” blimp during the former President’s visit to the UK, which depicted Trump as a crying child in a nappy and was carried through the streets of London by protestors against Trump’s visit and policies.
Stormy Waters
Trump’s rally speech comes amidst his many and ongoing legal battles, including a criminal hush money trial in New York, where the President is accused of paying adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about their affair during the 2016 presidential campaign.
$7,000 Fine
Trump leaned into his victimhood and apparent persecution, alleging that the trial had been rigged against him just days after he received a $7,000 fine for speaking out about people connected to the trial.
“Incarceratory Punishment”
Trump was even warned by Judge Juan M. Merchan that, should he continue to post defamatory and contemptuous updates through his Truth Social website, Trump would receive an “incarceratory punishment.”
Rambling Speech
Trump’s long-winded and, at times, rambling speech also took in the current wave of protests in the US over the Israel-Gaza war, which has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians.
1,000 Arrested
The protests have been brutally suppressed by US law enforcement, with over 1,000 people arrested.
“Thousands of Refugees”
Trump addressed the crowd, who began to boo at the suggestion that asylum seekers would be welcomed to the US, stating, “Your towns and villages will now be accepting people from Gaza and various other places. Under no circumstances shall we bring thousands of refugees.”
“Raging Lunatics”
Trump referred to protesters as “raging lunatics” and “Hamas sympathisers” and called for a crackdown on legitimate protests by university students.
“Vanquish the Radicals”
Trump railed, “To every college president, I say remove the encampments immediately. Vanquish the radicals and take back our campuses for all of the normal students who want a safe place from which to learn.”
Mental Decline
Trump’s speech comes at a particularly perilous time for the former President, with several ongoing trials, reported financial troubles and questions being asked about the 77-year-old’s mental faculties.
Shaping Public Perception
Trump’s ongoing rallies serve not only as a campaign strategy to increase his potential vote but also as an opportunity for the former President to shape public perception of his ongoing legal battles.
Not Intrinsically Linked
With Trump’s latest rally speech in Wisconsin, he has reignited controversy around his opinions on immigration and its tenuous link to terrorism, which he sees as intrinsically linked despite there being no evidence to suggest this.
Favourable Publicity
With the US election due in November, this will likely not be the last time we hear of outrageous comments made by Trump in his attempts to generate some favourable publicity for him, which may hide his other, more unfortunate, legal troubles.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sandor Szmutko.
Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.