TL/DR –
Former President Donald Trump criticized a special counsel’s decision not to charge President Biden for his handling of classified material, claiming it was an unfair double standard as he faces a criminal case for allegedly retaining classified documents. Trump spoke at a National Rifle Association forum, arguing that his transgressions were not as severe as Biden’s and that Biden’s alleged mishandling of classified material took place when Biden was “mentally a little better” than he is now. Trump also used the forum as a platform to defend gun rights, promising to counter any of Biden’s efforts toward gun control.
Ex-President Trump Criticizes Special Counsel’s Double Standards
Ex-President Donald J. Trump, facing a criminal case for allegedly retaining classified documents unlawfully, criticized a special counsel’s decision to not charge President Biden for similar actions. Trump claimed this as an example of unfair double standards against political opponents.
Trump’s First Public Remarks
In his first public comment on this issue, at an event in Harrisburg, Pa hosted by the National Rifle Association, Trump argued that if Biden isn’t charged, he shouldn’t be either. He labeled the situation as selective persecution.
Special counsel, Robert K. Hur, in his report, stated that despite evidence of Biden willfully retaining and disclosing classified material post vice presidency, no criminal charges were recommended.
Trump claimed his cooperation level with the “hostile and unfriendly feds” exceeded that of Biden, a claim unproven. Hur’s report documented Biden fully cooperating with the investigation, whereas Trump has been accused of misleading the government over classified documents.
Severity of Transgressions – Trump vs Biden
Trump also argued that Biden’s transgressions were more severe, in part because Biden wasn’t president during his actions. Trump’s legal troubles include 40 criminal counts tied to retaining sensitive documents post-presidency and refusal to return them after being subpoenaed.
Trump dismissed attempts to downplay Biden’s document mishandling by comparing it to his own situation, stating, “Trump was peanuts by comparison”.
Trump Questions Biden’s Mental State
He highlighted the special counsel’s comments questioning Biden’s mental recall, arguing he mishandled classified material during a time when he was mentally healthier.
Trump’s speech, given in Pennsylvania – a key battleground state for the upcoming elections, suggested his likely use of the special counsel’s report to reinforce two campaign core arguments: his victimization by Democrats’ unfair prosecution and Biden’s mental incompetency for presidency.
Trump’s Strategy to Win Over Democrats
Trump displayed his aim to appeal to Democrats’ voter base in Pennsylvania, a state he inaccurately claimed to have won twice. He asserted that the border crisis would strongly affect key demographics he is trying to win over: “African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and all unions.”
Trump Affirms Gun Rights
While courting swing voters, Trump used the NRA forum to highlight his support for gun rights, a critical conservative issue. He promised to thwart any efforts by Biden towards gun control, vowing to defend gun rights from Democrats’ “assault”. “No one will lay a finger on your firearms,” he told the cheering crowd.
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