Former President Donald J. Trump sparked controversy once again on Friday when he posted a video on his social media platform, Truth Social, featuring an image of President Biden with his hands and feet tied together. The video, which was filmed on Long Island, shows two moving trucks adorned with flags and decals supporting Mr. Trump, with the tailgate of the second vehicle displaying the image of Mr. Biden.
This macabre imagery targeting Mr. Trump’s perceived enemies is not new, as similar images of Mr. Biden tied up have been circulating online among right-wing groups. The promotion of this video by Mr. Trump reflects the increasingly caustic and personal attacks he has directed towards Mr. Biden, including calling him out in speeches and sharing violent imagery on social media.
A representative of the Biden campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the video. However, Steven Cheung, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, defended the image by stating that it was on the back of a pickup truck traveling down the highway. He also accused Democrats and “crazed lunatics” of calling for violence against Mr. Trump and his family.
Despite the backlash, the video remained on Mr. Trump’s Truth Social page as of late Friday evening. This is not the first time Mr. Trump has used provocative imagery and language towards his political opponents, as he has previously posted doctored photos and videos depicting him physically attacking individuals like Mr. Biden.
The Trump campaign has also cited past statements by Democrats to defend Mr. Trump’s rhetoric, including a comment made by Mr. Biden in 2018 where he mentioned taking Mr. Trump “behind the gym” in high school. Mr. Trump’s use of authoritarian language and divisive rhetoric has been a hallmark of his political career, with recent comments targeting migrants, political opponents, and even Jewish Democrats.
As the political landscape continues to be polarized, Mr. Trump’s actions and statements are likely to continue to spark debate and controversy among the American public.
