On Tuesday, Donald Trump intensified his comparison of his own legal challenges to those faced by Alexei Navalny, a well-known Russian critic.
Trump’s Navalny Comparison
In a pre-recorded Fox News Channel town hall with a live audience in Greenville, South Carolina, Trump lamented Navalny’s demise, which President Joe Biden and other global leaders have attributed to Putin.
Alleged Political Motives
Trump then shifted the focus to himself, reiterating his claims that the legal actions against him are politically motivated, despite lacking proof that Biden or the White House had any direct involvement.
Trump Praises Navalny
Speaking to Laura Ingraham on Fox News Channel, Trump commented on Navalny’s situation, calling it “very sad” and praising Navalny as “a very brave guy.”
Navalny’s Risky Return
He noted Navalny’s choice to return to Russia despite the risks, saying, “He went back, he could have stayed away, and frankly probably would have been a lot better off staying away and talking from outside of the country as opposed to having to go back in, because people thought that could happen, and it did happen.
Facing Adversity
Trump lamented that the same kind of adversity is present in the U.S., referring to his own criminal indictments, which include two cases related to his attempts to reverse his 2020 election defeat.
‘Communist’ Concerns
He expressed concern that these developments are indicative of the U.S. “turning into a communist country in many ways.”
Ridiculous Charges?
Trump voiced his frustration over his legal troubles, stating, “I got indicted four times … all because of the fact that I’m in politics.” He dismissed the charges as absurd, calling them “so ridiculous.”
A Hefty Penalty
Trump then linked these issues to a recent setback in a civil fraud trial, where a New York judge ordered him to pay $355 million in penalties, noting that with interest, his debt to the state amounts to approximately $454 million.
Fascism or Communism?
Trump likened his situation to Navalny’s, calling it “a form of Navalny” and equating it to “a form of communism, of fascism.”
Appealing the Judgment
When questioned about whether he would post a bond to cover the judgment, which could allow him to defer full payment while appealing, Trump did not provide a definitive answer.
Lawyer, Leader, Activist
Alexei Anatolyevich Navalny was a Russian opposition leader, lawyer, and anti-corruption activist. He was known for organizing anti-government demonstrations and running for office, advocating for reforms against corruption in Russia and opposing President Vladimir Putin and his government.
Opposition and Recognition
Navalny was a member of the Russian Opposition Coordination Council, the leader of the Russia of the Future party, and the founder of the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK). He was recognized by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience and was awarded the Sakharov Prize for his work in human rights.
Navalny’s Final Chapter
Alexei Navalny, the prominent Russian opposition figure, was held at the IK-3 penal colony, situated north of the Arctic Circle in Kharp, within the Yamalo-Nenets region. This location is approximately 1,900 kilometers (around 1,200 miles) northeast of Moscow.
His death was officially announced by the Federal Penitentiary Service of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District at 2:19 pm Moscow time (1119 GMT) on February 16.
Political Prisoner?
Fox News Channel’s Laura Ingraham questioned Trump about being a “potential political prisoner” like Navalny, which he evaded, linking his legal troubles to his political standing.
Silent on Putin
Trump, known for not criticizing Putin, remained silent on the Russian leader during his Fox News town hall with Laura Ingraham. The event occurred amidst Republican reluctance to fund Ukraine against Russia’s invasion and growing GOP acceptance of Russian expansionism.
Interestingly, Putin expressed a preference for Biden over Trump.
Ahead of Primary
The town hall marked Trump’s first extended comments on Navalny, just before South Carolina’s Republican primary against Nikki Haley.
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