On Monday, a Democratic congressman walked back a comment he made against former President Donald Trump over the weekend, in which he called for Trump to be “eliminated,” sparking a social media firestorm.
“Yesterday on TV, I mistakenly used the wrong word to express the importance for America that Donald Trump doesn’t become President again,” Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-NY) posted on X on Monday. “While he must be defeated, I certainly wish no harm to him and do not condone political violence. I apologize for the poor choice of words.”
Goldman’s apology comes after comments he made over the weekend, discussing Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021.
During an interview with President Biden’s former press secretary Jen Psaki on her MSNBC show, Goldman said, “His rhetoric is really getting dangerous.”
“More and more dangerous. We saw what happened on January 6th, when he used his inflammatory rhetoric now, and his recent truth social post is incredibly, incredibly scary for anyone that might be trying to work in government. And it is just unquestionable at this point that man cannot see public office again. He is not only unfit, he is destructive to our democracy, and he has to be eliminated.”
It is unclear which Truth Social post Goldman was referring to, but last week, Trump reposted a post from another user, arguing that New York Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron and New York Attorney General Letitia James should be arrested for “blatant election interference and harassment.” This may be what Goldman was speaking of.
However, Goldman’s comment wasn’t taken well on social media, where conservatives pointed out that the congressman was using “dangerous rhetoric” himself.
“By using his own ‘logic,’ Goldman should never see public office again,” Trending Politics co-owner Collin Rugg posted on X.
“Sometimes they slip and say the quiet part out loud,” radio host Mike Ghallager posted on X.
“I hope Speaker Johnson censures this nut job!!!,” pro-Trump operative Alex Bruesewitz posted on X.
Other conservatives didn’t accept Goldman’s clarification, including Twitchy Managing Editor Sam Janney, who posted on X, “You knew exactly what you were doing and what you were saying … you are only walking this back because you don’t like being held accountable for your own words. We see you.”
In a statement to Fox News, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said, “Democrats have been calling for violence against President Trump and his supporters since 2016,” adding, “This is not new or surprising rhetoric.”
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