LIn a private meeting at his Mar-a-Lago estate, former US President Trump accused the Biden administration of being behind the four criminal charges he faces. The comments were part of a broader speech in which he criticized the government. The event, although private, was recorded and the recordings were obtained by NBC News and The Washington Post.
On these recordings, Trump calls federal prosecutor Jack Smith “crazy,” “evil” and “a real bastard.” He mockingly describes Georgia prosecutor Fani Willis as “Mrs. Wade,” in reference to a controversial relationship she allegedly had with prosecutor Nathan Wade. He also compared the Biden Administration to the Gestapo.
Trump spoke in front of several hundred people, who had paid up to $40,000 (around 37,000 euros) per person to hear him. During his speech, he used swear words several times, according to witnesses. He also touted his recent fundraising performances and his running for vice president.
The former president also mentioned that “anyone who donated a million dollars to the Republican Party could come on stage to speak,” prompting two people to step forward.
Trump also expressed support for fellow Republican Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, who was in attendance. He said other Republicans should “leave Johnson alone.”
Johnson is currently facing criticism within his own Republican Party as a major support package for Ukraine was approved by the House. One of his party colleagues, Marjorie Taylor Greene, will try to impeach him next week.
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