Trump mimics John McCain, MS-13 stabbings, and a 'fake news' journalist during rowdy campaign rally
During a rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, President Trump took on many different roles.
First, he assumed the role of the press, which the White House has deemed the "enemy of the people." Trump was obsessed with his opinion that the media doesn't give him enough positive coverage, a complaint he returned to again and again throughout his 90-minute speech. While reliving the glorious night in 2016 when he won the election, Trump mocked a reporter who he said was panicking while covering the number of votes that Trump received. "His hands start shaking," said Trump, punctuating the impression with "fake news!"
Then the president moved on to a second character: a member of MS-13. While claiming that Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) "doesn't mind MS-13 coming in" to the U.S., Trump acted out a stabbing, calling the gang "the slicers." Trump additionally said that immigrants who win visa lotteries are murderers, and blamed mass violence on migration.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In his final performance, Trump mimicked Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). The president said he would have finally vanquished Obamacare, "except one guy, at 2 o'clock in the morning, went in and said 'thumbs down,'" referring to when McCain was one of the few GOP lawmakers to oppose a repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Slack-jawed, Trump appeared to mock McCain's health, which has declined in recent months as the senator faces brain cancer. Summer Meza
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Summer Meza has worked at The Week since 2018, serving as a staff writer, a news writer and currently the deputy editor. As a proud news generalist, she edits everything from political punditry and science news to personal finance advice and film reviews. Summer has previously written for Newsweek and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, covering national politics, transportation and the cannabis industry.
-
'The disconnect between actual health care and the insurance model is widening'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
Cautious optimism surrounds plans for the world's first nuclear fusion power plant
Talking Point Some in the industry feel that the plant will face many challenges
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Explore new worlds this winter at these 6 enlightening museum exhibitions
The Week Recommends Discover the estrados of Spain and the connection between art and chess in various African countries
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Putin says Russia isn't weakened by Syria setback
Speed Read Russia had been one of the key backers of Syria's ousted Assad regime
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Georgia DA Fani Willis removed from Trump case
Speed Read Willis had been prosecuting the election interference case against the president-elect
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Democrats blame 'President Musk' for looming shutdown
Speed Read The House of Representatives rejected a spending package that would've funding the government into 2025
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump, Musk sink spending bill, teeing up shutdown
Speed Read House Republicans abandoned the bill at the behest of the two men
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Congress reaches spending deal to avert shutdown
Speed Read The bill would fund the government through March 14, 2025
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Luigi Mangione charged with murder, terrorism
Speed Read Magnione is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Ex-FBI informant pleads guilty to lying about Bidens
Speed Read Alexander Smirnov claimed that President Joe Biden and his son Hunter were involved in a bribery scheme with Ukrainian energy company Burisma
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
South Korea impeaches president, eyes charges
Speed Read Yoon Suk Yeol faces investigations on potential insurrection and abuse of power charges
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published