Former President Donald J. Trump spoke at a multimillion-dollar fundraiser Saturday night, lamenting the lack of immigrants coming to the United States from “good” countries “like Denmark,” and inviting wealthy dinner guests. He suggested that his companions may have returned to Japan temporarily. Participants say they are safe from nearby illegal immigrants.
Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, made the announcement in a roughly 45-minute presentation during a dinner at a mansion owned by billionaire investor John Paulson in Palm Beach, Florida, a rare island community. commented.
Participants said they sat outdoors under white tents at tables clad in white clothes and looked out over the waterway that separates the wealthy town from the more diverse mainland city of West Palm Beach. Ta. Although the event was private, Trump's remarks were widely read out.
Dozens of wealthy donors helped write the checks, which the Trump campaign and Republican National Committee claim total more than $50 million, an amount that would set a record but has not been confirmed. . Campaign finance reports that include event dates will not be available for several months.
While some of Trump's comments were standard for a stump speech, other parts of the speech were tailored to his wealthy audience.
Midway through his remarks, Trump began a tirade about immigrants entering the United States, as President Biden struggled with the escalating crisis at the southern border, according to attendees.
“These are people who are coming from prisons and jails. According to those in attendance, they are coming from incredible places and countries, countries that are experiencing disasters,” Trump told guests. The former president made similar claims a central part of his campaign speech.
He also drew serious criticism during an Oval Office meeting with federal lawmakers on immigration when he compared Haiti and some African countries to countries like Norway and described them as “shithole countries.” It seems that he was referring to an episode during his time as president.
At the dinner, Trump said, “I said, “Why can't we allow people from good countries to come into our country, because I'm trying to be nice?'' which drew laughter from the audience.'' So, do you know about Denmark or Switzerland? Is anyone coming from Denmark? What about Switzerland? What about Norway?”
He continued, “And they took it as a very nasty comment, which I felt was fine.”
Trump went on to say that there are people from Yemen who are “blowing each other up all over the place.”
Trump frequently bemoans migrants from African, Asian and Middle Eastern countries during his rallies, stoking fears of a surge at the border and claiming it is responsible for a spike in crime, a charge that has not been supported. . Available data.
At the dinner, Trump lamented the surge in immigration, particularly from Latin America, and said gang members “make the Hells Angels look like very nice people.”
“They were transported, they were brought in, they were placed in our country, and they are with us tonight,” Trump said.
“Actually, I don't think they're on this island, but I know they're on an island right over there. According to those in attendance, that's West Palm,” Trump said, gesturing across the ocean. He is said to have said this while doing so. “Congratulations over there. But they'll be here. After all, they'll be here.”
Asked for comment, Trump campaign officials pointed to the former president's public statements from the event, which included discussions about the border crisis and the tax cuts he enacted during his time in office. The official did not cite specific quotes or answer questions about whether the campaign disputes them.
Mr. Paulson's home is along the waterway that separates the town of Palm Beach, an affluent barrier island community that is 93.8 percent white, according to the Census Bureau, and West Palm Beach, where nearly a third of residents are black and brown. Located in A quarter are Hispanic.
Trump blamed his successor Biden for the influx of migrants, saying it was a bad decision made over a “resolute desk” that has been used by 20 previous presidents. He mocked Biden and his aides about it.
“The Desk of Determination is beautiful,” Trump said. “Ronald Reagan used it, and other people have used it.”
He then slandered Biden in disgust, according to those in attendance. “And he's taking advantage of it. Next time he might not take advantage of it. It's gotten dirty. I mean that literally, but it's sad.”
An attendee who witnessed the moment said dinner guests laughed and Trump's remark was interpreted as the former president saying Biden defecated on his desk.
Mr. Trump also sought to point out parts of his record that appealed to wealthy donors in attendance. He highlighted the tax cuts under his administration and asked attendees whether they preferred those measures or regulations that would make certain tax breaks available, according to attendees.
“The most successful people in America are in this room,” Trump said.
He ended his speech with the sobering assessment of America's future that has characterized his presidential campaign, but in a 2024 apocalyptic tone.
“This may very well be the last election held in this country,” Trump said, using a line that has become a staple at his rallies. “As far as I'm concerned, the Fourth of July has never been more important.”
