During a high-dollar fund-raiser, former President Donald J. Trump expressed his discontent that immigrants were not coming to the United States from “nice” countries like Denmark, insinuating that his affluent dinner guests were temporarily safe from undocumented immigrants nearby, as reported by an attendee.
Speaking at a lavish dinner at a Palm Beach mansion owned by billionaire John Paulson, Mr. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, addressed a crowd of wealthy donors, raising over $50 million in checks for the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee.
Amidst the luxurious setting overlooking the waterway dividing the upscale Palm Beach from the more diverse West Palm Beach, Mr. Trump delivered a speech that included his usual rhetoric on immigration along with tailored remarks for his affluent audience.
Touching on the surge of migrants entering the country, Mr. Trump referenced his past controversial comments about countries in Africa and Haiti, reaffirming his preference for immigrants from countries like Denmark, Switzerland, and Norway.
Mr. Trump also expressed concerns about migrants from Yemen, highlighting his stance on immigration from various regions during his presidency and campaign rallies.
Furthermore, Mr. Trump criticized the influx of migrants, particularly from Latin America, painting a grim picture of gang members and insinuating their presence in the vicinity of the event.
Although a Trump campaign official pointed to the former president’s discussion on the border crisis and tax cuts, no specific quotes were addressed or disputed.
Mr. Trump’s remarks at the event reflected his recurrent themes of immigration, criticizing President Biden’s handling of the situation and making light of the Resolute Desk.
In an attempt to appeal to the affluent donors present, Mr. Trump highlighted his administration’s tax cuts and regulatory policies that benefited the wealthy attendees.
Ending his speech on a somber note, Mr. Trump warned of a bleak future for America, suggesting that the upcoming election could be the last for the country, a recurring theme in his campaigns.
