Muzzled by his advisers, Trump fumes over not being able to respond to Michelle Obama

During a rally in North Carolina, Donald Trump expressed his frustration with harsh criticism from Michelle Obama, former first lady of the United States, writes The Telegraph. The Republican candidate recounted how his advisers dissuaded him from responding to attacks from Michelle Obama, who recently called him a “little man looking to make himself big” by exploiting “pain, anger and fear.” She also alluded to what she perceives as “gross incompetence” and an “obvious mental decline” of the former president.

The Republican candidate told his audience that he would have liked to retaliate against Michelle Obama's comments, but his advisers encouraged him to remain calm and avoid personal attacks. They reminded him that he is leading in the polls and that it would be more strategic to keep his speech focused on substantive issues, such as the economy and immigration. Nevertheless, Donald Trump revealed his annoyance, indicating that he would like to “fight back” adding that he has always treated Michelle Obama with respect.

A Donald Trump a little more disciplined than in 2016

Under the direction of Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, two recognized strategists, Donald Trump's 2024 campaign aims to be more disciplined than that of 2016. But according to internal sources, while polls show a tightening of voting intentions since the As Kamala Harris enters the active campaign, the former president would be increasingly difficult to control and sometimes inclined to stray from the pre-established campaign message.

This verbal escalation between Donald Trump and the Obamas is far from unprecedented. Last August, the Republican candidate reacted to a series of criticisms from Michelle and Barack Obama during the Democratic convention. The presidential couple, breaking with their previous posture of rising above attacks, had publicly ridiculed Donald Trump, notably mocking his obsession with the size of his rallies. Donald Trump then responded by arguing that their attitude justified his own attacks in the campaign.