New York City Mayor Eric Adams defended former President Donald Trump on Saturday, rejecting recent comparisons made by Democratic figures that equate the Republican presidential nominee with Adolf Hitler.
The comments came during a press conference held by Adams, a moderate Democrat currently facing federal corruption charges, in which he responded to criticisms that have circulated among high-profile Democratic leaders.
When questioned about these accusations, Adams was clear in his response, stating, “I have had those comments hurled at me by some political leaders in the city; my answer is ‘No.’” Adams added, “I know what Hitler has done, and I know what a fascist regime looks like. I think, as I have called for over and over again, that the level of conversation, I think we can all dial down the temperature.”
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Adams’ remarks were made in the context of a broader press conference focused on security arrangements for Trump’s scheduled rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
One Police Plaza NYC. A reporter asked the @NYCMayor if he thinks @realDonaldTrump is a fascist.
The mayor responded no , Donald Trump is not a fasict and states name calling that is anti-Semitic and uncalled for . The mayor Eric Adams stated he's been called all kinds of… pic.twitter.com/bK4Ooui0yx — Viral News NYC (@ViralNewsNYC) October 26, 2024
The rally is expected to draw significant attention and large crowds.
In recent days, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and Joe Biden have escalated their rhetoric against Trump following resurfaced claims that Trump allegedly praised Hitler while serving as president.
The allegations were initially published in The Atlantic and later confirmed by retired Marine Corps General John Kelly, who served as Trump’s White House Chief of Staff.
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According to Kelly, Trump reportedly questioned why his generals did not show loyalty similar to that of Hitler’s generals, and allegedly made remarks suggesting that Hitler’s leadership had brought positive economic impacts to Germany.
Harris directly addressed the allegations during a CNN town hall event broadcast to millions on Wednesday. “I invite you to listen and go online to listen to John Kelly…who has told us Donald Trump said, why — essentially, ‘Why aren’t my generals like those of Hitler’s, like Hitler,’” she said.
Harris emphasized the severity of the allegations, adding, “This is a serious, serious issue. And we know who he is. He admires dictators.”
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When asked at the Pennsylvania town hall whether she believed Trump could be described as a “fascist,” Harris responded affirmatively, saying, “yes.”
Kamala’s campaign quickly followed up with more than a dozen press releases reiterating Kelly’s claims about Trump’s private comments.
One statement attributed to Trump, as reported by The Atlantic, allegedly stated that “Hitler did some good things” by “rebuilding the [Germany] economy.”
In response, Trump has strongly denied making any positive remarks about Hitler, dismissing The Atlantic as “a failing magazine.”
I asked Trump about The Atlantic reporting he said “I need the kind of generals that Hitler had.” Trump: “No, I never said that. I would never say that. It’s a rag that he made up stories. He’s done it before. It’s a failing magazine. Right before the election." pic.twitter.com/ntVB6AJupX
— Kate Sullivan (@KateSullivanDC) October 25, 2024
The former president’s campaign team also pushed back against the allegations, arguing that the claims lacked context and were being leveraged by political opponents to sway public opinion in the heated election season.
The ongoing back-and-forth over these allegations underscores the intense partisan divide as Election Day approaches.
Adams’ statements defending Trump have added a new layer to the political discourse, suggesting a need for toned-down rhetoric as both parties head into the final stretch of the campaign.
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