House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) defended former President Trump against criticisms that he failed to promote unity after the assassination attempt on his life, calling Trump’s recent criticisms of political rivals “campaign rhetoric.”
In an interview with ABC’s “This Week,” anchor Martha Raddatz pointed to Trump’s recent rally where he criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and President Biden, whom he called a “sick, weak, pathetic band.”
This scrutiny of Trump follows an assassination attempt at a campaign rally
When asked if Trump missed a chance to promote unity, Johnson responded, “No, he hasn’t. There’s campaign rhetoric on both sides…there has been.” Johnson highlighted a recent statement by President Biden during a donor call, where Biden said it was time to put Trump in the “bull’s-eye.” Biden later clarified in an NBC News interview, explaining he meant to focus on Trump’s actions and policies.
Johnson defended Trump’s rhetoric by pointing out the intense nature of the current campaign. “It’s beyond disputed that President Trump has been the most attacked and maligned public figure in the history of the country,” he said, noting that Trump’s grievances are rooted in being the target of numerous attacks. Johnson also referenced the various criminal cases Trump faces, suggesting they are politically motivated.
This scrutiny of Trump follows an assassination attempt at a campaign rally, which left him with a wounded ear. The incident also resulted in the death of one spectator and injuries to two others. In response, Trump called for unity and vowed not to let “evil win.”
He mentioned rewriting his Republican National Convention speech to help “bring the country together.” However, his speech still included familiar attacks, such as calling Pelosi “Crazy Nancy Pelosi” and accusing Democrats of election cheating.
President Biden, in a prime-time address the day after the shooting, urged Americans to lower the political temperature.
