Twice-impeached Donald Trump (R) has found himself in even more hot water as he is facing heavy criticism for posting a video on social media that referenced a “unified reich.”
The video speculates on a hypothetical future presidential victory for Trump in which a “unified reich” is the result. The video makes other references that have been interpreted as nods to World War I. However, the term “reich” is highly associated with Hitler and Nazism.
“This was not a campaign video, it was created by a random account online and reposted by a staffer who clearly did not see the word, while the President was in court,” Karoline Leavitt, the campaign press secretary, said in a statement regarding the now-deleted video.
For many, it is clear that the video, which was up for two days, alludes to a racist rhetoric. This video comes at a time where Jews are facing heightened anti-semitic attacks that are often violent.
Trump has a strong history with making remarks that resemble Hitler’s racist rhetoric. Last December, his speech caused a stir for its xenophobic rhetoric.
“They're poisoning the blood of our country. That's what they've done. They poison mental institutions and prisons all over the world. Not just in South America. Not just the three or four countries that we think about but all over the world they're coming into our country from Africa, from Asia...all over the world,” said Trump in his speech.
“They're pouring into our country. Nobody's even looking at them. They just come in. The crime is going to be tremendous,” continued Trump.
Trump continued to talk about terrorism and the border wall he so often went on about while he was in office. The speech drew much criticism from various political pundits and voters as they stated Trump's words were harmful and reminiscent of Hitler.
President Joe Biden (D) referred to Trump’s video as not representative of the United States, stating “This is Hitler’s language — not America’s.”
“He cares about holding on to power. I care about you,” continued Biden.
“He attacks his opponents as vermin,” Biden said. “He says immigrants are poisoning the blood of America. That’s a line used in Hitler’s Germany, not an American president.”
