'He could've called': Trump puts Biden on blast for ditching slain NYPD cop Jonathan Diller's wake for star-studded fundraiser
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Former President Donald Trump joined 'Fox & Friends' co-host Brian Kilmeade for an exclusive interview after attending the wake of slain NYPD officer Jonathan Dillan on Friday, March 29, in Manhattan.
He called out incumbent Joe Biden for missing a "very sad moment," as the latter attended a Democratic fundraiser at Radio Music Hall in the same city, along with former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as A-list celebrities like Lizzo and Stephen Colbert, reported Fox News.
Donald Trump says Joe Biden won't support the police
"They missed a very sad moment for our country, but it's a moment that they have to be a part of, whether they like it or not," Trump told Kilmeade over the former presidents being present in the city and not attending the wake.
"They can't skip this moment. I've never seen so many police. I've never seen so many firemen, a lot of firemen. They view it… in a very similar way, and I understand that. But they're going to have to get involved a little bit because this country is going to hell. Our country is not respected anymore. I say it in my rallies, in my speeches. We're a nation in decline... Totally fixable, but we have to do it fast."
Taking on Biden in particular, Trump continued, "I think that politically he can't support the police. I think he's also making a mistake, but I think politically… his base won't let him support the police and I support the police. I would say at the highest level of any president by far, maybe double or triple, and they knew that. That's why when I walked into that funeral parlor it was… like love."
"They want to shy away from it. They didn't even call the family. They could have called… I'm not sure they'd take his call," he added.
Speaking of Diller's family, the former President shared, "Stephanie (the officer's widow) is incredible, and they wanted me to be there, and I wanted to be there. What a family, the Diller family, and they lost a hero, really. I mean, just a hero. They're devastated. The family is devastated. The police force is devastated. The whole country feels this way."
White House puts out a statement after Jonathan Dillan's death
In a news conference on Thursday, March 28, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Biden had a conversation with New York City Mayor Eric Adams on the subject.
"Our hearts go out, obviously, to the officer’s family and the broader NYPD family, who have tragically lost one of their own. The President grieves for them and honors their sacrifice," said Jean-Pierre.
"The President has stood with law enforcement his entire career and continues to stand with them as they put their lives on the line for their communities. Under his leadership, we will continue to support police officers and ensure that they have resources they need to continue — to continue to do the work — the all-important work that they have to do on behalf of the community," she added.
