Trump Compares Navalny's Death to His Own Campaign Problems
Former President Donald Trump sparked fresh controversy Monday with his commentary on the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
In contrast to blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump drew parallels between Navalny's fate and domestic developments in the United States.
Trump compares Navalny death to domestic problems: ‘Nation in decline’ - Washington Examinerhttps://t.co/vUIO2MpfCU
— Tatum 🇬🇧 Atticus 🇺🇸 (@AtticusTat40926) February 20, 2024
"The sudden death of Alexei Navalny has made me more and more aware of what is happening in our Country," he posted on social media.
"It is a slow, steady progression, with CROOKED, Radical Left Politicians, Prosecutors, and Judges leading us down a path to destruction. Open Borders, Rigged Elections, and Grossly Unfair Courtroom Decisions are DESTROYING AMERICA. WE ARE A NATION IN DECLINE, A FAILING NATION! MAGA2024," he added.
In contrast, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris promptly pinned Navalny's demise on Putin, urging increased support for Ukraine as a consequence. Trump's post, however, omitted any mention of Putin or Russia.
"I mean this in a literal sense: History is watching," Biden emphasized on Friday. "History is watching the House of Representatives. The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten."
Trump's detractors, who have long accused him of being pro-Russia and pro-Putin, seized upon the opportunity to criticize him anew.
David Axelrod, former chief strategist to Barack Obama, was among them, asserting that Trump was likening himself to Navalny.
"After saying nothing about the assassination of Navalny for days, Trump finally comments — not to honor the fallen hero; not to condemn Putin for the murder — but to improbably liken HIMSELF to the martyr, drawing false equivalences and running down our own democracy," he wrote.
Trump also found support from those who pointed to Putin's actions during previous administrations to underscore Trump's influence.
"Under Bush, Putin invaded Georgia," noted Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX). "Under Obama, he seized Crimea. Under Biden, he launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Putin did nothing under President Trump because he feared and respected him."
