Former President Donald Trump on Monday rebuked the media and Democrats for their alarm at his use of the word “bloodbath” at an Ohio rally over the weekend, saying he was talking about the economic impact of President Biden’s automobile policy.
The Biden campaign had scolded Mr. Trump for using the term, saying it augured more political violence. The ex-president said his critics were misleading the public.
“The Fake News Media, and their Democrat Partners in the destruction of our Nation, pretended to be shocked at my use of the word BLOODBATH, even though they fully understood that I was simply referring to imports allowed by Crooked Joe Biden, which are killing the automobile industry,” Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social.
Mr. Trump spoke of a bloodbath during a portion of his speech in Ohio that focused on his tariff policy and auto manufacturing. He said China was setting up auto factories in Mexico to use cheap labor before selling those cars in the U.S.
Mr. Trump said he wouldn’t allow that to happen. He said if he doesn’t get elected, it is “going to be a bloodbath for the country.”
“That will be the least of it. But they’re not going to sell those cars. They’re building massive factories,” Mr. Trump said.
The Biden campaign swiftly accused Mr. Trump of usually coded language to stir up his supporters.
Mr. Trump faces criminal charges over his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results, which culminated in a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
“This is who Donald Trump is: a loser who gets beat by over 7 million votes and then instead of appealing to a wider mainstream audience doubles down on his threats of political violence,” said Biden campaign spokesman James Singer.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who lost to Mr. Trump in the 2016 presidential election, remarked on his rhetoric on Monday.
“’A bloodbath.’ What would you say if you saw this in another country?” Mrs. Clinton posted on X.
Mr. Trump said auto workers knew he was talking about cars.
“The United Auto Workers, but not their leadership, fully understand what I mean,” he posted. “With the Electric Car Mandate being pushed by Biden, there soon won’t be any cars made in the USA.”
Mr. Trump’s campaign on Monday tried to raise money off the kerfuffle with a fundraising pitch that said the presumptive GOP nominee’s rivals were twisting his words.
“They will push hoaxes, fake headlines, and outright LIES to keep control,” the message said. “That’s why I’m depending on YOUR SUPPORT to win back the White House!”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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