In a controversial interview aired on Fox News on Sunday, former President Donald Trump asserted that he had “every right” to interfere with the 2020 election, echoing his long-standing claims of election fraud. Speaking with Mark Levin, the host of Life, Liberty & Levin, Trump delved into various topics, including his legal troubles, his international relations, and even a close encounter with an assassination attempt.
The conversation was part two of a pre-recorded interview designed to promote Trump’s latest book. However, it quickly turned into a platform for Trump to discuss his ongoing legal battles, particularly the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) federal election interference case spearheaded by Special Counsel Jack Smith.
Trump’s Defense of Election Interference
During the interview, Levin raised the topic of Trump’s legal challenges, specifically the DOJ’s case against him for allegedly attempting to interfere with the 2020 presidential election results. In response, Trump, who faces four federal charges in this case, defiantly claimed that his actions were justified.
“It’s so crazy that my poll numbers go up. Whoever heard—you get indicted for interfering with a presidential election where you have every right to do it—you get indicted and your poll numbers go up,” Trump remarked. “It’s such nonsense.”
Trump’s comments came in the wake of a “superseding indictment” filed by Jack Smith last week, which expanded on the original allegations against the former president. The updated charges followed a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, further complicating Trump’s legal situation. Despite these charges, Trump has consistently pleaded not guilty and claims that the case is politically motivated by the Biden administration.
Legal experts and political commentators were quick to react to Trump’s remarks. Katie Phang, host of The Katie Phang Show on MSNBC, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to criticize Trump’s statements. “Criming and then confessing to the criming. That’s a Trump specialty,” Phang tweeted, highlighting the irony in Trump’s defense.
Legal Troubles and Political Motivations
Trump’s legal woes continue to dominate headlines as he navigates multiple court cases related to his time in office and his actions following the 2020 election. The federal election interference case is just one of several legal battles Trump is facing, including investigations into his handling of classified documents and his alleged role in the January 6 Capitol riots.
Despite the mounting legal challenges, Trump remains defiant, insisting that the cases against him are part of a broader effort by the Biden administration to tarnish his reputation and hinder his potential 2024 presidential run. In his interview with Levin, Trump framed the DOJ’s actions as politically motivated, accusing the department of trying to “smear” him in the eyes of the public.
Trump’s defense strategy has resonated with a significant portion of his base, as evidenced by his rising poll numbers. Many of his supporters view the legal challenges as part of a concerted effort by the political establishment to prevent him from returning to power. This sentiment has only strengthened Trump’s standing within the Republican Party, where he remains a dominant figure heading into the 2024 election cycle.
International Relations and Leadership
In addition to discussing his legal troubles, Trump used the interview to reflect on his relationships with foreign leaders, particularly Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump claimed that both leaders respected his tough stance during his presidency and suggested that his leadership style helped maintain stability on the global stage.
“I remember President Xi saying, ‘If you’re soft on me, I’d hate to see you bad.’ And by the way, Putin said the exact same thing,” Trump recounted. These comments echoed Trump’s longstanding position that his strong relationships with authoritarian leaders were crucial to maintaining peace and preventing conflicts.
Critics, however, have often accused Trump of being too cozy with dictators and undermining democratic values. His close ties to leaders like Putin and Xi have raised concerns about his approach to foreign policy and his willingness to overlook human rights abuses in pursuit of diplomatic gains.
The Assassination Attempt
Trump also revealed new details about an assassination attempt against him at a Pennsylvania rally in July. The former president described the harrowing experience, recounting how bullets flew past his head and grazed his ear.
“I knew I got hit in the ear. I felt I was 100 percent OK…bullets were flying right over me,” Trump said. He compared the incident to the tragic mass shooting that took place in Las Vegas in 2017, where a gunman fired into a crowd attending a music festival, killing 60 people.
Trump credited his survival to quick action by law enforcement, noting that the shooter was killed within seconds. “Had the shooter not been taken down, it would have been like Las Vegas all over again,” Trump warned. “These crowds were bigger, and the outcome could have been catastrophic.”
Trump’s comments about the assassination attempt have stirred further debate, with some questioning the details of the incident and others expressing concern about the increasing threats against political figures in the United States.
Criticism of Kamala Harris and Relationship with Mike Pence
In the interview, Trump did not shy away from criticizing current Vice President Kamala Harris, particularly her treatment of his former vice president, Mike Pence, during the 2020 vice presidential debate. Trump referenced a viral moment from the debate when Harris famously told Pence, “I’m speaking,” after he interrupted her.
“They say [Kamala] has many deficiencies, but she’s a nasty person. The way she treated Mike Pence is horrible, the way she treats people is horrible,” Trump said. His comments reflected his ongoing disdain for the Biden administration and its leadership.
Trump’s relationship with Pence has been strained since the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021, when Pence refused to overturn the election results, despite pressure from Trump and his supporters. Pence has since distanced himself from Trump and has publicly stated that he will not endorse Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
The Road to 2024
As Trump continues to navigate legal challenges and criticism, his focus remains on the upcoming 2024 election. Despite the controversies surrounding him, Trump’s popularity within the Republican Party shows no signs of waning. His ability to galvanize his base, even in the face of legal indictments, suggests that he remains a formidable force in American politics.
Trump’s interview with Levin highlights his ongoing efforts to defend his actions related to the 2020 election and position himself as a victim of political persecution. Whether this strategy will help him secure the Republican nomination and ultimately return to the White House remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Donald Trump’s influence on American politics is far from over.
Overview
Trump’s assertion that he had “every right” to interfere with the 2020 election underscores his defiant stance against the legal and political challenges he faces. His comments, combined with his reflections on foreign policy, personal safety, and relationships with political figures like Kamala Harris and Mike Pence, reveal a leader intent on reclaiming his position in American politics. As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s rhetoric and legal battles will continue to shape the national conversation, making him a central figure in the future of the United States.
