NEW DELHI: Former US President Donald Trump has suggested that the potential for political violence from his supporters might hinge on the fairness of the upcoming election. In an interview with Time magazine, Trump expressed confidence in his victory but did not rule out the possibility of unrest similar to the events of January 6, 2021.
“I don’t think we’re going to have that,” Trump said, referencing potential violence.”I think we’re going to win. And if we don’t win, you know, it depends. It always depends on the fairness of an election.”
The Time interview, which was conducted at his Mar-a-Lago club and by phone, covered a range of topics including his views on abortion, his ongoing criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and his thoughts on US political dynamics.
As per a CNN report, Trump reiterated his longstanding grievances about election results, a pattern that began as early as the 2016 Iowa caucuses. His refusal to clearly reject the possibility of violence if the election does not go his way reflects a continuation of his rhetoric around the legitimacy of election processes.
Moreover, Trump doubled down on his intention to pardon individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6 Capitol attack, stating, “I would consider that, yes,” when asked if he would pardon every one of them.
On abortion, Trump dodged questions about his stance on a federal ban and potential state penalties for women who undergo abortions where it is banned, indicating that these decisions should be left to state legislatures.
In the realm of foreign policy, Trump was critical of Netanyahu, suggesting that the Israeli Prime Minister should be scrutinized for his handling of security, especially in light of the Hamas attack on October 7. However, Trump was non-committal about supporting any changes in Israeli leadership.
The former president also commented on the detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in Russia, stating that he “should be released” after not having previously called for his release due to being preoccupied with other matters.
Trump’s remarks underscore his continued influence over the Republican base, as well as the polarizing nature of his political and social stances heading into the 2024 presidential election.
“I don’t think we’re going to have that,” Trump said, referencing potential violence.”I think we’re going to win. And if we don’t win, you know, it depends. It always depends on the fairness of an election.”
The Time interview, which was conducted at his Mar-a-Lago club and by phone, covered a range of topics including his views on abortion, his ongoing criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and his thoughts on US political dynamics.
As per a CNN report, Trump reiterated his longstanding grievances about election results, a pattern that began as early as the 2016 Iowa caucuses. His refusal to clearly reject the possibility of violence if the election does not go his way reflects a continuation of his rhetoric around the legitimacy of election processes.
Moreover, Trump doubled down on his intention to pardon individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6 Capitol attack, stating, “I would consider that, yes,” when asked if he would pardon every one of them.
On abortion, Trump dodged questions about his stance on a federal ban and potential state penalties for women who undergo abortions where it is banned, indicating that these decisions should be left to state legislatures.
In the realm of foreign policy, Trump was critical of Netanyahu, suggesting that the Israeli Prime Minister should be scrutinized for his handling of security, especially in light of the Hamas attack on October 7. However, Trump was non-committal about supporting any changes in Israeli leadership.
The former president also commented on the detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in Russia, stating that he “should be released” after not having previously called for his release due to being preoccupied with other matters.
Trump’s remarks underscore his continued influence over the Republican base, as well as the polarizing nature of his political and social stances heading into the 2024 presidential election.