Trump’s 'indecent' praise of Hezbollah may 'save American democracy from him': ex-federal prosecutor

13 October 2023

During a rambling campaign speech in Palm Beach, Florida on Wednesday, October 11, former President Donald Trump responded to Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel by exalting Hezbollah (a far-right Shiite extremist group in Lebanon) as "very smart." Trump also attacked right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for being, as he sees it, disloyal to him.

Trump's remarks have drawn widespread condemnation.

Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, who is part of Netanyahu's cabinet," slammed the comments as "shameful." And Never Trump conservative George Conway described them as "complete gibberish."

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Former federal prosecutor Dennis Aftergut addresses the controversy in a scathing article published by the conservative website The Bulwark on October 13, clearly hoping that Trump's comments on Hezbollah will damage his presidential campaign.

Aftergut observes, "You might recall that Netanyahu used to lavish Trump with praise, not only calling him 'a true friend' of Israel but 'the best friend Israel has ever had in the White House,' a fulsome description Trump relished repeating…. So why would Trump choose this moment, after a horrific terrorist attack, to…. (kick) his onetime ally, Netanyahu, while he is down? It's no mystery: Netanyahu praised Joe Biden on Tuesday for his strong support for Israel."

The former federal prosecutor adds, "Praise for President Biden is not something that Trump's narcissistic ego can tolerate. So Trump, the would-be emperor, struck back. Will Trump pay a political price for his remarks? No doubt we'll be seeing 30-second ads from the Biden campaign and pro-Biden PACs replaying the clip of Trump expressing admiration for Hezbollah."

Members of what Aftergut describes as "the Trump cult" have been defending his Hezbollah comments. But the attorney is hoping that outside the "cult," Trump will pay a price politically.

Aftergut comments, "Trump can't help himself when it comes to seeking vengeance against the friends of his enemy, President Biden…. Trump's remarks might cost him support among voters unwilling to back a presidential candidate devoid of human decency. Ordinary Americans' repulsion at Trump's indecency may well be part of what saves American democracy from him."

Dennis Aftergut's full article for The Bulwark is available at this link.

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