‘Following Hitler’s playbook’: Donald Trump sparks outrage after he says some migrants are ‘animals’ and not people

Known for his unfiltered commentary, the former President took aim at undocumented immigrants and his political opponents
PUBLISHED MAR 18, 2024
Donald Trump courted controversy with his inflammatory rhetoric during a campaign rally in Vandalia, Ohio on March 16 (Getty Images)
Donald Trump courted controversy with his inflammatory rhetoric during a campaign rally in Vandalia, Ohio on March 16 (Getty Images)

VANDALIA, OHIO: Donald Trump ignited a firestorm of controversy with his inflammatory rhetoric during a campaign rally in Vandalia, Ohio on Saturday, March 16.

Known for his unfiltered commentary, the former President took aim at undocumented immigrants and his political opponents.

Trump's dehumanizing remarks

Addressing a crowd gathered in support of Ohio Senate candidate Bernie Moreno, Trump used dehumanizing language to describe immigrants, stating, “I don’t know if you call them people. In some cases, they’re not people, in my opinion.”

“But I’m not allowed to say that because the radical left says that’s a terrible thing to say," he added. “These are bad — these are animals. And we have to stop it.”



 

Trump's remarks were not limited to immigrants; he also directed derogatory comments toward several Democrats, including President Joe Biden and Atlanta prosecutor Fani Willis.

Referring to Biden as a “stupid president” and making disparaging remarks about Willis' name, Trump's language veered into personal attacks and vulgarity, per the New York Times.



 

Adding to the controversy, Trump made ominous predictions about the future of American democracy, suggesting that if he were not to win the upcoming presidential election, there might not be another election at all.

He warned, “I don’t think you’re going to have another election, or certainly not an election that’s meaningful."

Furthermore, Trump promised a "bloodbath" if he were to lose, alluding to drastic economic measures.

“Now we’re going to put a 100 percent tariff on every single car that comes across [the] line, and you’re not going to be able to sell those guys — if I get elected,” he said. “Now, if I don’t get elected, it’s going to be a bloodbath for the whole. That’s going to be the least of it. It’s going to be a bloodbath for the country.”



 

Responding to the backlash, Trump's campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, attempted to downplay the remarks.

“If you actually watch and listen to the section, he was talking about the auto industry and tariffs,” Cheung said, adding, “Biden’s policies will create an economic bloodbath for the auto industry and auto workers."

Internet slams Trump for disparaging remarks

Critics of Trump, however, took to social media to denounce his remarks.

"He’s following Hitler’s playbook to the letter," one posted on X.

"He has no problem with the migrants working at his properties," another wrote.

"Simply beyond description… What is America up to?!?!? Will he soon be calling for scalping, lynching, gas chambers, concentration camps?!?!?" someone else wondered.

"It's really important to keep the fear-mongering going," another offered.



 



 



 



 

Biden campaign's response

In response to Trump's remarks, the Biden campaign issued a statement condemning his language and characterizing it as a threat of political violence.

Biden campaign spokesperson James Singer stated, “This is who Donald Trump is: a loser who gets beat by over 7 million votes and then instead of appealing to a wider mainstream audience doubles down on his threats of political violence."

"He wants another January 6, but the American people are going to give him another electoral defeat this November because they continue to reject his extremism, his affection for violence, and his thirst for revenge.”

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.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

According to the report, Trump met Bondi in the Oval Office before his national address, and her dismissal followed immediately
1 hour ago
The commission approved the project with DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson the sole dissenter, citing excessive scale
2 hours ago
'We love Pam, and she will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector', President Trump wrote
3 hours ago
President Trump indicated plans to ensure employees are compensated, though details on how the move would be implemented remained unclear
4 hours ago
Reports suggest President Trump consulted advisers about leadership changes as concerns grew over handling of national security issues
4 hours ago
Jeffries argued voters would strongly oppose shifting funds from domestic programs to support increased military spending tied to overseas tensions
4 hours ago
A three-judge panel said the trial court's comments on Tina Peters' belief in 2020 election fraud went beyond relevant sentencing considerations
5 hours ago
Senate cleared a bipartisan bill to reopen most of Homeland Security, but House conservatives stalled action amid a push for separate border funding
6 hours ago
Rising oil prices and falling stocks reflected investor concerns over prolonged conflict and potential disruptions to global energy supply
7 hours ago
Trump derided Macron’s personal life while claiming France and NATO failed to back US military efforts in the Iran conflict
13 hours ago