Trump faces new Hitler praise allegations as election looms
Supporters dismiss Hitler praise allegations as early voting continues
As the election nears, with fewer than ten days remaining, former President Donald Trump faces new allegations of praising Adolf Hitler. Despite early voting already in progress, his Republican supporters dismiss these claims.
Over 38 million people have cast their votes so far. In Michigan, early in-person voting began on Saturday, with a steady turnout of Trump backers. They rejected the Hitler praise reports as “hogwash” and criticised retired General John Kelly, Trump’s former White House chief of staff, who made these allegations.
Kelly shared his account in an interview with The New York Times, stating he had often reprimanded Trump for admiring statements like, “Hitler did some good things too.” Kelly echoed similar sentiments in a recent interview with The Atlantic.
“Trump praised Hitler!” 🤮DNC projects message tying Trump to Hitler on Madison Square Garden during rally
https://t.co/CWeacFs39Q
— candacemariecooper (@candies2639) October 28, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris responded to the reports by calling Trump a fascist and warning of his potential for unchecked power if reelected. Trump has denied the accusations. His supporters, voting in the battleground state, either followed his lead or expressed indifference.
Chris Bandelier, 57, from Kalamazoo, acknowledged Trump spoke positively about Hitler but argued he referred to the good Hitler did for Germany before things went awry. Bandelier’s main concern was preventing election fraud.
John Vasquez, 42, also voted for Trump on the first day of early voting. He dismissed the Hitler comments as a joke, citing Trump’s strong support for Israel.
Dennis and Christina Bourdo, early voters for Trump, saw the allegations as baseless. Christina defended Trump, suggesting Kelly’s claims were motivated by his dismissal from the administration. She aligned with Trump’s beliefs, particularly his anti-abortion stance.
Matt Valkner, 49, expressed frustration with the negativity of both campaigns. He voted for Trump, hoping to boost U.S. manufacturing. However, manufacturing jobs, which had been on the rise before 2016, declined during Trump’s term, even before the pandemic.
While Trump supporters dismissed the Hitler praise reports, Harris supporters were incredulous that Republicans were not taking the remarks seriously. Zachary Willoughby, 25, voted for Harris. Expecting a baby girl, he wants a president who respects reproductive rights and does not have a history of sexual abuse.
Diane Rice, 63, who also voted for Harris, could not comprehend how Trump remains a voting option.
What Other Media Are Saying
- PBS article discusses John Kelly’s claims about Trump praising Hitler, wanting Nazi-style generals, and Kelly’s assertion that Trump meets the definition of a fascist.(read more)
- NBC News reports Vice President Kamala Harris criticizes Trump for his reported praise of Hitler, labeling him “increasingly unhinged” and warning of unchecked power.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What are the new allegations against Donald Trump?
Trump is accused of praising Adolf Hitler.
How many people have voted so far?
Over 38 million people have cast their votes.
What did Chris Bandelier say about Trump’s comments on Hitler?
He acknowledged them but argued Trump referred to Hitler’s early accomplishments.
What was Vice President Kamala Harris’s response to the allegations?
She called Trump a fascist and warned of his potential unchecked power.
What did Trump supporters in Michigan think about the allegations?
They dismissed the allegations as false or unimportant.
