Former President Donald Trump spoke to a large crowd in Wildwood, New Jersey, on Saturday, criticizing the criminal trial he is facing in New York and attacking President Joe Biden.
Trump called the trial a “sham” and accused Biden of being behind it. He also mocked the district attorney and judge overseeing the case, and claimed that he is being persecuted because he is running for president.
Trump avoided mentioning the witnesses and jurors in the case, likely due to a gag order imposed by the judge. However, he continued to escalate his attacks on the justice system and Biden, accusing the president of being “surrounded by fascists” and running a “Gestapo administration.”
Trump Doubles Down on Attacks, Claims Biden is ‘Encircled by Fascists’ at Political Gathering
The rally was one of only a few Trumps has held since the trial began, and it came after a pivotal week in the case, with porn star Stormy Daniels testifying against Trump. The crowd was enthusiastic, with many waiting in lawn chairs outside the event for days.
Trump also attacked Biden over his pledge to withhold weapons from Israel if it launches any assaults on the highly populated city of Rafah, and vowed to deport foreign students who bring “jihadism or antisemitism” to US college campuses.
The rally was held in an area that has leaned Republican, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Christian Craighead, a former British Special Air Service operative introduced Trump. While Trump’s campaigning has been limited due to the trial, he has held events in Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as fundraisers and campaign events at his private club in Florida.
