Former President Donald J. Trump on Tuesday once again criticized President Biden's immigration record in violent and ominous terms, accusing him of creating a “bloodbath at the border” and threatening some immigrants who enter the country illegally. He used dehumanizing language again.
In a speech in Grand Rapids, Michigan, flanked by law enforcement officials, Trump offered evidence that other countries send “the worst kinds of people to the United States: prisoners, murderers, drug traffickers, mentally ill people, terrorists.” He repeated his claim that there was no such thing. state. Immigration officials said most of those crossing the border are members of vulnerable families fleeing poverty or violence.
During his nearly 45-minute speech, Trump also defended his use of dehumanizing language when referring to immigrants accused of crimes. “Democrats said they don't want us to call them 'animals,'” Trump said. “I said, 'No, they're not humans, they're animals.'
Trump drew attention last month while discussing the U.S. auto industry, predicting that if he loses in November, there will be “springs of blood on the country.” As critics accused Biden of inciting the violence, Trump and his allies blamed him, holding him responsible for the “bloodbath” with his immigration policies.
The former president has repeatedly criticized Biden, blaming violent crime on maintaining lax border security, but available data supports the idea that immigrants are contributing to the rise in crime. is not supported.
Trump's use of “bloodbath” comes as his campaign appears to be trying to turn it into a catchphrase, essentially egging on critics and shifting focus to Biden. . On Tuesday, the Republican National Committee, which is currently under effective control of the Trump campaign, launched a website called BidenBloodbus.com that echoes Trump's assertion that Biden is responsible for the “aggression” at the U.S.-Mexico border. ” was established. This site features numerous violent crimes in which illegal immigrants have been accused.
But Trump's comments in Michigan show how the former president is trying to stoke unrest over immigration and border security in the 2024 election, and which Trump used effectively in 2016. It was a good tactic. Republicans were keen to keep the issue top of mind with voters. The aim is to chip away at Biden's support.
Reid J. Epstein He contributed reporting from Washington.