Former President Donald Trump reiterated his comparison between his legal troubles and the situation of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny during a Fox News Channel town hall in Greenville, South Carolina. Trump expressed sorrow over Navalny's death in a Russian prison and then shifted the focus to his own legal challenges, claiming they are politically motivated despite no evidence linking them to President Joe Biden or the White House.
Trump drew parallels between Navalny's fate and his own indictments, including cases related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. He characterized the legal actions against him as indicative of the U.S. becoming more like a communist country. Trump also referenced a recent civil fraud trial where he was ordered to pay $355 million in penalties for misleading about his wealth, likening it to Navalny's situation as a form of communism and fascism.
During the town hall, Trump did not directly address whether he would post a bond to cover the judgment from the civil trial. He avoided a question about the possibility of becoming a political prisoner like Navalny, suggesting that his legal challenges are fueled by animosity towards him.
While Trump did not mention Russian President Vladimir Putin, his remarks come amid House Republicans' reluctance to provide additional aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Trump's history of praising Putin and the intelligence community's findings of Russian interference in U.S. elections were also highlighted.
The town hall marked Trump's first extended comments on Navalny since his death was announced by Russian officials. The event took place ahead of the upcoming Republican presidential primary in South Carolina, where Trump is set to compete against Nikki Haley.
In a previous social media post following Navalny's death, Trump criticized U.S. politicians and legal authorities while avoiding direct mention of Putin or Navalny's family. He reiterated claims of election fraud and expressed concerns about the country's direction.
