Former President Donald Trump made a series of startling claims at a Moms for Liberty event, including that his daughter Ivanka turned down a UN ambassador role to hire "millions of people," and that migrants are "poisoning" the country. The wide-ranging speech also touched on transgender issues, personal anecdotes, and attacks on political opponents, showcasing Trump's unfiltered communication style ahead of the 2024 election.
Why it matters: Trump's comments, particularly about his daughter's role in his administration and her alleged impact on job creation, have raised questions about accuracy and appropriateness, while potentially energizing his base.
The big picture: Trump's speech touched on various topics, from family anecdotes to political attacks, showcasing his trademark style of communication ahead of the 2024 presidential race.
Key claims and statements:
- Ivanka Trump's role:
- Trump said he wanted to appoint Ivanka as U.S. ambassador to the UN.
- He claimed Ivanka declined, saying she wanted to "help people get jobs" instead.
- Trump alleged Ivanka "hired, like, millions of people during the course of her stay" in his administration.
- Political attacks:
- Trump called Vice President Kamala Harris a "Marxist" and a "defective person."
- He criticized President Biden and Harris for the Afghanistan withdrawal, saying, "These people were killed by Biden, as far as I'm concerned."
- Controversial statements on immigration:
- Trump claimed migrants are "poisoning" the country.
- He stated that migrant children in classrooms are "taking disease, and they don't even speak English."
- Comments on transgender issues:
- Trump argued against allowing transgender women in women's sports.
- He made false claims about gender-affirming care, suggesting schools are making decisions about children's gender without parental involvement.
- Personal anecdotes:
- Trump spoke about his parents' marriage and his mother's Scottish heritage.
- He praised Elon Musk as "a super genius guy."
Context:
- The speech was given at the annual gathering of Moms for Liberty, a conservative nonprofit focused on education issues.
- Moms for Liberty has been criticized for its stance on LGBTQ+ issues and discussions of race in schools.
- The group is part of Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for a Republican presidency that Trump has tried to distance himself from.
What they're saying:
- Trump on Ivanka: "She may be my daughter but nobody could have competed with her, with her rat-rat-rat you know she's got."
- On parental rights: "I'm for parental rights all the way. I don't even understand the concept of not being."
The bottom line: Trump's speech, filled with controversial claims and attacks on political opponents, demonstrates his continued ability to generate headlines and energize his base, even as some of his statements raise questions about accuracy and appropriateness.