During a weekend campaign speech in New Jersey, former President Donald Trump referred to the notorious fictional serial killer, Hannibal Lecter, as a “wonderful man.”.
The moment of praise for the cannibal from “The Silence of the Lambs” came as Trump was comparing migrants to Lecter, repeating the unsubstantiated claim that migrants crossing the border are violent criminals or are coming from other countries as “insane asylums.”
Trump’s remarks were both bizarre and controversial. He reminisced about Lecter’s character, saying, “Has anyone ever seen ‘The Silence of the Lambs’? The late, great Hannibal Lecter. He’s a wonderful man. He oftentimes would have a friend for dinner. Remember the last scene? ‘Excuse me, I’m about to have a friend for dinner,’ as this poor doctor walked by. ‘I’m about to have a friend for dinner.’ But Hannibal Lecter. Congratulations. The late, great Hannibal Lecter”.
Throughout his campaign, Trump has repeatedly compared migrants to Lecter, previously praising the fictional character as “legendary” and a nice fellow. These latest remarks come after Trump spent time in a Manhattan courtroom, rather than travelling and making campaign stops as he runs for another term in the White House.
The controversial statement has left many puzzled and concerned. Critics argue that such rhetoric undermines serious policy discussions and distracts from pressing issues facing the nation.
