Donald Trump Slammed By Joe Biden's Camp Over 'Unified Reich' Phrase In A Video He Posted
By Favour Adegoke on May 21, 2024 at 7:00 AM EDT
Updated on May 22, 2024 at 8:40 AM EDT
A new social media post from Donald Trump has drawn flak from social media users and Joe Biden's team for containing a Nazi-related phrase.
The former president was criticized for seemingly promoting Nazi rhetoric as part of his campaign toward a possible reelection to the White House. He also recently called for a termination of his hush money trial.
Donald Trump's Video Post Draws Nazi Comparison
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump shared a 30-second clip in which an unseen person is seen asking aloud, "What happens after" the billionaire mogul wins the upcoming presidential election?
In the background of the clip, several shocking headlines from mocked-up newspapers came into view. However, one stood out due to its remark, which read, "Industrial strength significantly increased, driven by the creation of a unified Reich."
The post quickly drew backlash on social media, as numerous individuals likened Trump's aspirations for the country to Nazism.
This seemed to be because the word "Reich" is most often associated with the Third Reich, the former German state led by the Nazi regime from 1933 to 1945.
However, it was unclear if that was what the former president was going for when the post was shared on his platform.
Social Media Users Slam The Post As 'Un-American' And 'Despicable'
Among those who criticized Trump was Joe Biden's campaign team. They warned that Trump's statements evoke echoes of Nazi Germany and hint at a concerning trajectory for a potential second term.
The team posted on X(formerly Twitter), "Trump posts a new ad foreshadowing a second Trump term that says he will create a 'UNIFIED REICH,' echoing Nazi Germany."
Another online user wrote, "This sickens me to my core. This is one bit of history that should never be repeated, yet here we are."
I’m gonna have to ask everyone who said comparing Trump to Hitler was an exaggeration to shut the fuck up now. https://t.co/KoXGYfH6zQ
— The Volatile Mermaid (@OhNoSheTwitnt) May 21, 2024
A second person commented, "Trump's continued use of Nazi rhetoric is un-American and despicable. Yet too many Americans are brushing off the glaring red flags about what could happen if he returns to the White House. When someone shows you who they are, believe them."
However, some individuals supported Trump, claiming he was not promoting Nazi sentiments.
One user wrote, "That line 'unified Reich' is from a stock video called 'Newspaper Vintage History Headlines Promo' video. Bad look? Absolutely! Fair to give the Trump campaign some grief for it. But this looks like incompetence, not Nazi malice."
Donald Trump's Rep Says The Footage Was 'Not A Campaign Video'
While the former president has yet to comment personally on the issue, a rep has come out to clarify the situation.
According to his campaign secretary, Karoline Leavitt, the footage was "not a campaign video," contrary to what many online have claimed it to be.
"It was created by a random account online and reposted by a staffer who clearly did not see the word while the President was in court," Leavitt said in a statement to AP News, seemingly confirming that Trump did not approve the post.
However, experts have countered this narrative, claiming that Trump's campaign team deliberately posted the video.
"While the Trump campaign often seems less-than-discerning in the choice of material they amplify through Truth Social, they're always conscious of the content. The 'mistakes' they make are conscious and deliberate," American Politics teacher Mark Shanahan told Newsweek.
The Former President Is Dealing With A Criminal Trial
Trump is currently embroiled in a hush money trial that has lasted several weeks already.
He stands accused of paying $130,000 to former adult star Stormy Daniels in 2016 for her to keep quiet about their one-night stand during his then-presidential campaign.
Daniels and several other individuals associated with Trump have taken to the stand during court sessions, revealing never-before-heard details about the matter and the possible impact it had on the former president's 2016 campaign.
Donald Trump Has Called For The 'Termination' Of His Hush Money Trial
As the controversial case nears its anticipated conclusion and a verdict looms, Trump has demanded its immediate "termination."
"I think this case is going very well. We've asked for a termination of the case," the 77-year-old said outside of the court as the trial resumed on Monday, per The Independent.
He added, "This case should be terminated. It should not be going anywhere. It should be terminated right now."