Former President Donald J. Trump made a reference to the fictional serial killer Hannibal Lecter from “The Silence of the Lambs” during a rally in New Jersey to stoke anger and fear over migration ahead of the election. Trump compared migrants to Hannibal Lecter and claimed that they are destroying the country. He asserted that migrants are violent criminals or mentally ill people sent to the United States by other countries, despite no evidence supporting his assertion. Border authorities have stated that most migrants crossing the border are vulnerable families fleeing poverty and violence.
Trump has frequently referenced Hannibal Lecter in his speeches, calling him “legendary” and a nice fellow. In Wildwood, New Jersey, Trump spoke at length about the 1991 movie and made comparisons between migrants and the fictional psychopath. He also criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the migrant crisis and emphasized the need to win the election to prevent the country from being doomed.
During his rally, Trump also made references to other figures, such as gangster Al Capone, whom he often compares himself to. Trump incredulously claimed that he has been indicted more times than Al Capone and highlighted the toughness of the notorious gangster. These references are part of Trump’s broader strategy to rally his base and generate support for his campaign.
The comparison of migrants to Hannibal Lecter and other notorious figures is part of Trump’s efforts to stoke fears and create a sense of urgency among his supporters. By using these references, Trump aims to portray migrants as dangerous criminals and justify his hardline stance on immigration. Despite the lack of evidence to support his claims, Trump continues to make these assertions to appeal to his base and further his political agenda.
The use of fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter in political speeches is unusual and controversial, but it is a tactic that Trump has employed throughout his presidency. By drawing parallels between migrants and notorious figures like Lecter, Trump seeks to demonize immigrants and reinforce his narrative that they pose a threat to national security. This inflammatory rhetoric plays into his overall strategy of appealing to his base and mobilizing support for his agenda.
As the election approaches, Trump is ramping up his efforts to paint migrants as a danger to the country and emphasize the need to secure the border. By invoking references to fictional characters and notorious figures, Trump seeks to tap into fears and anxieties surrounding immigration and portray himself as the only candidate capable of addressing the perceived threats. Despite criticism of his tactics, Trump appears determined to use these references to rally support and secure victory in the upcoming election.
