In an interview with the MSNBC program “Inside with Jen Psaki,” Democratic Representative Dan Goldman used a worrying pun against former President Donald Trump that earned him hundreds of criticisms.
During the interview with Jen Psaki, Goldman said that Trump's "dangerous" rhetoric represents a risk to democracy, and that is why the Republican should be "eliminated." Words that many understood as a call to political violence.
“His rhetoric is really getting dangerous,” the Democrat told the former White House press secretary.
“It is just unquestionable at this point that that man [Trump]cannot see public office again,” added the representative. “He is not only unfit. He is destructive to our democracy. And he has to be eliminated.”
.@RepDanGoldman: "His rhetoric is really getting dangerous... It is just unquestionable at this point that [Trump] cannot see public office again. He is not only unfit. He is destructive to our democracy. He has to be eliminated.” pic.twitter.com/9hS6NHlOB5
— Inside with Jen Psaki (@InsideWithPsaki) November 19, 2023
Goldman's words, promoted on X by Psaki's program profile, were quickly criticized by various conservative users, including Trump allies.
“Adam Schiff wannabe Dan Goldman's comments are dangerous, inflammatory, and most probably illegal. They always accuse us of exactly what they are doing,” Roger Stone, a renowned Republican strategist who is now a strong ally of former President Trump, wrote on X.
Adam Schiff wannabe Dan Goldman's comments are dangerous, inflammatory, and most probably illegal. They always accuse us of exactly what they are doing. https://t.co/xxG1MaUA26
— Roger Stone (@RogerJStoneJr) November 20, 2023
“If a Republican went on TV and said that a Democrat presidential candidate needed to be 'eliminated,' they'd be raided by the FBI within hours. Donald Trump is facing half a millennia in prison for saying people should 'fight,'" commentator Charlie Kirk wrote. “Instead, Dan Goldman alludes to the assassination of Donald Trump and does so with zero consequences and zero fear of any consequences. Democrats have tried every trick in the book to take out Donald Trump, and he's more popular than ever. What else do they have left?”
If a Republican went on TV and said that a Democrat presidential candidate needed to be "eliminated" they'd be raided by the FBI within hours. Donald Trump is facing half a millennia in prison for saying people should "fight."
Instead, Dan Goldman alludes to the assassination of… https://t.co/TBNbaHMQye
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 20, 2023
“Leftist Congressman @RepDanGoldman says Trump 'has to be eliminated.' In the least, Goldman should be investigated by the Secret Service for this threat,” said Tom Fitton, president of the conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch.
After receiving questions about his statements, Goldman went on X to apologize for his “poor choice of words.”
“Yesterday on TV, I mistakenly used the wrong word to express the importance for America that Donald Trump doesn’t become President again. 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,” said the Democrat.
Yesterday on TV, I mistakenly used the wrong word to express the importance for America that Donald Trump doesn’t become President again.
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.
— Daniel Goldman (@danielsgoldman) November 20, 2023
