Former President Donald Trump’s upcoming rally at Madison Square Garden on October 27, 2024, has stirred significant controversy, with some commentators drawing disturbing parallels to a notorious Nazi gathering in 1939. Columnist Sidney Blumenthal, writing for The Guardian, argues that this event may be Trump’s “most unsettling spectacle yet,” highlighting its historical significance.
A Troubling Venue Choice
The choice of Madison Square Garden as the venue is particularly striking, as it was previously used by the German American Bund, a pro-Hitler organization, for its rally in 1939. Blumenthal notes that both the Bund and Trump’s MAGA movement share the “America First” slogan, alongside troubling themes of racism and anti-Semitism. This connection raises concerns about the ideological direction of Trump’s current campaign.
Language and Rhetoric
Blumenthal emphasizes that Trump’s rhetoric has increasingly echoed Nazi themes. He compares Trump’s attacks on the media—referring to them as “fake news”—to Hitler’s disdain for the “Lügenpresse” or “lying press.” Such language fosters a hostile environment for dissenting voices, reminiscent of historical totalitarian regimes.
Moreover, Trump’s comments about immigrants have drawn parallels to Hitler’s writings in Mein Kampf. In recent speeches, Trump has made inflammatory remarks, describing certain immigrant groups as “poisoning the blood of our country.” This rhetoric, according to Blumenthal, aligns with the Nazi concept of “Rassenhygiene,” or “race cleansing,” which sought to eliminate perceived inferior races.
Warnings from Military Leaders
These observations resonate with concerns raised by military leaders. General Mark Milley, who was appointed by Trump as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, referred to the former president as “fascist to the core.” Milley expressed grave concerns about the dangers Trump poses to the nation, asserting that no one has been as dangerous as Trump in American history.