During a campaign event in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Donald Trump reacted sharply to President Joe Biden’s recent comment referring to some Trump supporters as “garbage.”
Biden made the remark while addressing rhetoric at Trump’s earlier Madison Square Garden rally, which triggered an immediate backlash.
Trump was informed about Biden’s statement during the rally introduction by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL).
Responding with sarcasm, Trump quipped that Biden likely didn’t even realize the severity of his words, adding, “Please forgive him, for he not knoweth what he said,” the New York Post reported.
The Trump campaign issued a strong rebuke, framing the comment as evidence of Biden’s disdain for the millions who support Trump, including diverse groups such as union workers, minorities, and law enforcement.
Campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt asserted that Biden’s words expose contempt not just for Trump but for his entire base, per the Post.
Biden’s comments quickly drew criticism beyond Trump’s camp, and even some Democrats distanced themselves from the statement. Trump seized the moment to argue that his campaign stands for all Americans, aiming to broaden his appeal to undecided voters.
The “garbage” comment has reignited comparisons to Hillary Clinton’s infamous “basket of deplorables” gaffe during the 2016 election, a misstep widely seen as alienating key voters in battleground states.
As the 2024 election heats up, exchanges like these highlight the contentious tone of the race. Both parties are focusing heavily on mobilizing their base in critical swing regions like Pennsylvania.
This article was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.