Washington, D.C. – Former President Donald Trump, now facing sentencing after being found guilty on 34 charges in his hush money trial, recently stated in an interview with Fox News that he never explicitly called for his 2016 presidential campaign opponent, Hillary Clinton, to be incarcerated.
During the interview that aired on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Trump addressed the infamous chant often heard at his rallies: “Lock her up.” This chant, widely popular among his supporters, calls for Clinton to be jailed over her use of a private email server while serving as secretary of state.
Despite claims to the contrary, there have been instances where Trump appeared to endorse the calls for Clinton’s imprisonment. In July 2016, Trump mentioned during a Colorado rally that he would not be “Mr. Nice Guy” when it came to dealing with Clinton, expressing agreement with the crowd’s cries to lock her up.
In the lead-up to the 2016 election, Trump even went as far as stating that he would appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Clinton and potentially seek her incarceration for her email server controversy. However, after winning the election, Trump struck a more conciliatory tone towards Clinton, emphasizing the need for national unity and healing.
Despite this shift in rhetoric, even in more recent years, Trump has been heard endorsing chants to lock up Clinton. In September 2020, he voiced agreement with such calls during one of his rallies, showcasing a persistent theme in his political rhetoric.
Following his recent conviction in New York, Trump now faces the looming possibility of imprisonment. His legal team has vowed to appeal the guilty verdict, with the sentencing set for July 11. The decision on Trump’s punishment lies in the hands of New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, who presided over the trial.
Possible sentences for Trump include up to four years in prison, home confinement, probation, or a fine, underscoring the legal challenges that lie ahead for the former president as he navigates the repercussions of his actions.