Former President Donald J. Trump made a reference to the fictional character Hannibal Lecter at a rally in New Jersey, comparing migrants to the serial killer from “The Silence of the Lambs” in order to stoke fear and anger over migration ahead of the election. He claimed that migrants are being released into the country unchecked and unvetted, and warned that the country would be doomed if he did not win the election. Border authorities have stated that most migrants crossing the border are vulnerable families fleeing poverty and violence, contradicting Mr. Trump’s claims that they are violent criminals or mentally ill individuals sent by other countries.
Throughout his campaign, Mr. Trump has frequently brought up Hannibal Lecter as a point of reference, and in Wildwood, he spoke about the character longer than usual. He has referred to the fictional psychopath as “legendary” and a “nice fellow,” despite the character’s notorious reputation for cannibalism in the film. However, it is unclear why Mr. Trump referred to Hannibal Lecter as “late, great,” as neither the character nor the actor who portrayed him has passed away. The movie, released in 1991, featured Anthony Hopkins in a memorable performance, earning him an Oscar for his portrayal of the character.
In addition to Hannibal Lecter, Mr. Trump also frequently invokes other references during his rallies, such as the notorious gangster Al Capone, whom he often compares himself to. At the rally in New Jersey, Mr. Trump incredulously claimed that he had been indicted more times than Al Capone, highlighting his disdain for the legal challenges he has faced. Despite the lack of evidence to support his claims about migrants, Mr. Trump continues to use fear-mongering tactics and inflammatory language when discussing immigration policy.
Mr. Trump’s remarks at the rally reflect his ongoing focus on immigration as a key issue for his political messaging. He has consistently portrayed migrants as a threat to national security and has criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the migrant crisis. By using references to fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter, Mr. Trump seeks to further demonize migrants and rally his supporters around his hardline immigration stance. However, his inflammatory rhetoric has drawn criticism from opponents who argue that his characterization of migrants is baseless and divisive.
Despite the controversy surrounding his comments, Mr. Trump has not hesitated to double down on his rhetoric regarding immigration and the perceived dangers posed by migrants. As the election approaches, he continues to use fear and anger as tools to mobilize his base and energize supporters. By employing references like Hannibal Lecter and Al Capone, Mr. Trump seeks to create a sense of urgency around his immigration policies and position himself as a strong leader capable of addressing what he sees as a crisis at the border.
