'As long as he goes to jail': Internet slams Donald Trump for comparing himself to Nelson Mandela amid expanded gag order

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: In a defiant stance against judicial restrictions, former President Donald Trump declared on Saturday, April 6, his willingness to face imprisonment - albeit for defying an expanded gag order rather than the alleged crimes levied against him.

The outspoken remarks emerged on Truth Social, Trump's social media platform, following a recent decision by New York judge Juan Merchan. Trump, the presumptive GOP presidential candidate, expressed criticism towards Merchan for issuing an extended gag order in anticipation of his upcoming hush money trial.

Trump likens himself to Nelson Mandela

The trial, slated to commence on April 15, centers on 34 charges of falsifying business documents related to a payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 presidential election.

Trump lambasted Merchan, accusing him of bias and partisan motivations. "IF this Partisan Hack wants to put me in the ‘clink’ for speaking the open and obvious TRUTH, I will gladly become a Modern Day Nelson Mandela – It will be my GREAT HONOR," Trump proclaimed on Truth Social.

This assertion marks a recurring theme in Trump's rhetoric, with previous comparisons to iconic figures like Nelson Mandela and even Jesus Christ. Just last October, amidst a flurry of lawsuits, Trump likened his legal battles to Mandela's struggle against apartheid and the persecution endured by Christ.

Trump's ire towards Merchan extends beyond legal matters, as he has repeatedly targeted the judge's daughter, citing her association with a progressive consulting firm that has affiliations with Democrats.

This hostility led Merchan to broaden the gag order's scope, prohibiting direct attacks on his family members and those of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is involved in the prosecution.

In his social media outburst on Saturday, April 6, former President Donald Trump not only criticized the expanded gag order but also endeavored to revisit the defamation case brought against him by writer E Jean Carroll. Carroll's lawsuit led to an $83 million verdict against Trump, which he is presently appealing.

"How many Corrupt, Biased, Crooked Joe Biden-'Protection Agency' New York Judges do I have to endure before somebody steps in?" Trump wrote. "I had New York Federal Judge, Lewis Kaplan, with a woman who I never knew, and had nothing to do with, until she sued me for 'defamation.'"

However, Trump's tendency to disregard judicial constraints is not unprecedented. Previous instances resulted in fines imposed by Judge Arthur Engoron in a civil case. Now, with the prospect of jail time looming, Trump's defiance seems unabated.

Responding to Trump's remarks, President Joe Biden's reelection campaign seized on the opportunity to criticize the former president's self-aggrandizing comparisons.

“Imagine being so self-centered that you compare yourself to Jesus Christ and Nelson Mandela all within the span of little more than a week: that’s Donald Trump for you,” Biden campaign spokesperson Jasmine Harris said in a statement on Saturday, CNBC reported. 

Trump faces social media backlash for his remark

Critics of Trump on social media pounced on his comments comparing himself to Mandela.

"Nelson Mandumbass maybe," one posted on X.

"He knows how to continue the Con," another wrote.

"As long as Trump goes to jail, I don’t care if he thinks he is Frosty the Snowman or Peter Cottontail," someone else quipped.

"Why is everyone so afraid to hold him accountable? He is under a gag order but continues his hateful rhetoric!" a comment read.

"Well, Mandela was jailed for 27 years. If Trump wants to be treated like him, I am all for it," another offered.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.