On Monday, May 20, a video posted to Truth Social by former President Donald Trump’s account received major backlash. The clip featured several mock headlines highlighting a potential Trump victory in November, including one that referenced a “unified Reich.”
The term, “Reich,” means kingdom or empire and is often mentioned in reference Adolf Hitler’s rule in Germany. Within a few hours, the video drew massive backlash from many different groups, including the White House.
“It is abhorrent, sickening, and disgraceful for anyone to promote content associated with Germany’s Nazi government under Adolf Hitler,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates said.
“Any Antisemitic dog whistling is dangerous and offensive – and profoundly un-American.”
While Hatch Act laws prevent Bates from directly addressing Trump by name, members of the Biden campaign were more direct.
“Donald Trump is not playing games; he is telling America exactly what he intends to do if he regains power: rule as a dictator over a ‘unified reich,’” Biden campaign spokesperson James Singer said.
As of Tuesday, May 21, the video has been removed from Trump’s Truth Social account. According to Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, the video was posted by a “junior staffer” who “did not see” the “unified Reich” phrase.
“This was not a campaign video, it was created by a random account online and reposted by a junior staffer who clearly did not see the word, while the President was in court,” she said.
Former Pres. Trump is sparks backlash after posting a video to social media seemingly suggesting there will be a “unified Reich” if he wins the 2024 election. @rachelvscott reports. pic.twitter.com/QlUQoAbRoU
— Good Morning America (@GMA) May 21, 2024
