During a rally in Durham, North Carolina, former President Bill Clinton addressed recent remarks made by former President Donald Trump with a mix of humor and critique.
Clinton humorously responded to Trump’s statements about dealing with “enemies from within,” joking about the possibility of being sent to Guantanamo Bay, doing so while supporting the Harris-Walz campaign in the Tar Heel State, as The Hill reports.
The former president attended the event alongside Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday. While offering support to the Harris-Walz campaign, Clinton joked about Trump’s controversial comments, which were first made during a Fox News interview. Trump had referred to “radical left lunatics” as domestic enemies and suggested the need for American armed forces to address these internal threats.
At the rally, Clinton referenced a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that provides broad immunity to former presidents, saying, “I suppose that includes me.”
He continued his remarks by alluding to Trump's comments about the oath of office, which promises to defend the nation against “all enemies, foreign and domestic.” Clinton playfully noted that Trump seemed to want to start with domestic threats.
Clinton didn't stop there, further quipping about the former president's remarks. “I’m not going to execute him, although I could under the Supreme Court ruling,” Clinton said, evoking laughter from the crowd. He added that, instead, he might prefer to sentence Trump to a life sentence at Colorado’s Supermax prison.
The former president also lightened the mood by suggesting that if he were ever incarcerated, he’d prefer a warmer location, saying, “I want him to transfer me to Guantánamo,” to the amusement of the rally attendees. At 78, Clinton explained he’s more concerned about the cold than the heat.
While Clinton made light of the situation, Trump, for his part, doubled down on his remarks. Speaking in a separate interview, Trump reiterated his belief that certain factions within the country pose a significant threat. “These people -- they’re so sick, and they’re so evil,” he said, referring to his political adversaries.
Trump dismissed any notion that he was making threats, clarifying that it’s his opponents who are causing harm through “phony investigations.” The former president’s rhetoric on domestic enemies has drawn criticism from his rivals, including Vice President Kamala Harris.
Earlier this week, Harris criticized Trump’s stance during a rally in Pennsylvania, adding her voice to the growing opposition to Trump’s approach toward what he perceives as domestic threats. Despite the backlash, Trump appears determined to maintain his aggressive posture on the issue.
Clinton’s remarks come as part of his active role in supporting the Harris-Walz ticket. His appearance in North Carolina followed a similar rally in Georgia, where he urged Democratic voters to unite ahead of the 2024 election.
North Carolina has been a crucial battleground for presidential elections, with Democrats hoping to turn the state blue once again after its last Democratic victory in 2008 with former President Barack Obama. Trump won the state narrowly in 2020, defeating President Joe Biden by around 75,000 votes. Clinton’s efforts to sway voters in this key swing state could prove pivotal, as Democrats look to build momentum in states like North Carolina, where every vote will count in the upcoming election.
The former president's playful yet pointed comments on Trump’s remarks are a reflection of the ongoing political divide, with both parties rallying their bases ahead of the critical 2024 election. His support for the Harris-Walz campaign and his lighthearted jabs at Trump’s statements highlight the stark contrasts between the two political figures.
