Trump Attacks Verdict: Claims 'Fascist State' and Gags on Trial
Donald Trump vociferously criticized the recent guilty verdict in his case involving a porn star, speaking from Trump Tower in New York City. The former president denounced the trial as unfair, attributing it to an orchestrated effort by Joe Biden. Calling the presiding judge, Juan Merchan, 'corrupt' and 'full of conflicts of interest,' Trump described him as a devil disguised as an angel. Trump claimed that the ongoing trial exemplifies life in a 'fascist state' and protested a gag order that restricts his comments while he runs for the White House.
Trump declared, 'If they do this to me, they can do it to anyone,' and emphasized that his fight is not just about himself but about the Constitution. He reiterated his commitment to appeal against the conviction and criticized the judicial process that he believes has been weaponized against him. Addressing his supporters, he reignited his famous slogan, promising to 'Make America Great Again' while portraying the nation as being in decline and crisis. The looming Election Day on November 5th, according to Trump, will be the 'most important day in history.'
Crowds of supporters gathered in front of Trump Tower, many brandishing flags with 'Trump won' slogans, referencing the disputed results of the 2020 election. The fervor among his base remains strong, as evidenced by his campaign raising a record $34.8 million in less than 24 hours after the verdict. This fundraising surge showcases his financiers' undeterred support despite the legal challenges.
Fueling the tensions further, pro-Trump websites have been inundated with posts calling for riots and violent retaliation following the verdict, with some users even advocating for attacks on jurors and Judge Merchan. These alarming reactions have drawn comparisons to dystopian scenarios depicted in films like 'Civil War.'
Michigan Polls Show Tight Race In U.S. Election 2024
As the US election approaches, Michigan, a pivotal 'swing state,' is witnessing a tight race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. A recent survey indicated that Trump currently leads with 49% of the vote compared to Biden's 47%. However, this lead has narrowed from three percentage points in March to a mere two points in May.
The polls also highlight that if third-party candidates enter the race, the contest could become even closer. In such a scenario, Trump would garner 46% of the vote, Biden 45%, while Green Party candidate Jill Stein, independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Cornel West would each receive 1%. The survey suggests that Trump has more effectively solidified his Republican base, securing 92% of their vote, whereas Biden captures 89% of the Democratic base.
Polling expert Steve Mitchell comments that Trump's regained ground in Michigan can be attributed to his consolidated Republican support, whereas Biden faces challenges, particularly among the state's Middle Eastern and North African communities, who disapprove of his Middle East policies. This demographic's dissatisfaction highlights broader issues within Biden's campaign, as he struggles to maintain support from the left, right, and center.
Previous elections reflect the volatility of these 'swing states,' which include Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, and North Carolina. In 2020, Biden narrowly defeated Trump in Michigan by a margin of 2.78 percentage points, whereas Trump had won against Hillary Clinton by a slender margin of 0.23 points in 2016. The uncertain outcome underscores the strategic importance of active campaigning in these battleground areas.
- Elon Musk has announced plans to host Donald Trump in a live event on the X platform, in collaboration with NewsNation, before the elections. This move is part of Musk's broader initiative to transform X into a hub for political discourse. While Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is also scheduled for a similar event, Joe Biden's campaign has reportedly declined the invitation, citing the president's commitment to two debates.
