Trump Draws Boos at Libertarian Party National Convention | US News
Donald Trump faced booing during his speech at the Libertarian Party National Convention on Saturday.
Many Libertarians have been critical of Mr. Trump, and his presence at the party event in Washington led to division among attendees.
While some expressed support and chanted “USA! USA!” when he asked for the party’s endorsement, the former president also faced boos at various points during his address.
The event was a departure from the heavily staged Trump events that usually ensure unwavering support from his loyal base.
During his speech, Mr. Trump tried to align with Libertarians by disparaging President Joe Biden as a “tyrant” and the “worst president in the history of the United States,” but he was met with shouts of “That’s you.”
One audience member yelled, “Lock him up!” while another stated, “Donald Trump is a threat to democracy!”
Other cries included “You had your shot!”, “F*** you,” and “You already had four years, you a******”.
A person holding a banner reading “No wannabe dictators!” was escorted out by security.
Read more
Republican’s daughter-in-law shot by gang
The A-Z of Trump’s hush money trial
A ‘no wannabe dictators’ banner at the Libertarian convention. Pic: Reuters
Attempting to court party members, the former president made light of his four criminal indictments, jokingly stating, “If I wasn’t a Libertarian before, I sure as hell am a Libertarian now.”
In response to more boos from the crowd, he retorted, “You don’t want to win,” and asserted that the party aims to “keep getting your 3% every four years.”
In the 2016 election, Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson garnered 3% of the vote, but in 2020, nominee Jo Jorgensen only received around 1%.
Mr. Trump received applause when he pledged to reduce the life sentence of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the illegal drug sales website Silk Road, who is championed by Libertarians for their focus on individual freedoms and limited government.
‘Free Ross’ signs raised as Donald Trump addresses Libertarians in Washington. Pic: Reuters
<a href="https://news.sky.com/download-app" target="blank" data-tracking-label="ui-app-promo-download-link" class="ui-app-promo sdc-article-widget" data-type="" data-component-name="ui-app-promo">
</a>‘I would rather eat my own foot’
The convention provided an opportunity for Mr. Trump to attract supporters of independent candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr, who also delivered a speech at the event.
However, Libertarian Caryn Ann Harlos expressed to NBC News that she would prefer to “eat [her] own foot out of a bear trap” rather than see Trump endorsed.
Libertarians, known for their “End the Fed” chant advocating for the abolition of the Federal Reserve, will announce their White House nomination on Sunday.
Stay updated on news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump are set to compete again in November, with polls showing that most Americans are not in favor of a repeat of the 2020 election.
This could lead to increased interest in independent or fringe candidates outside of the Democratic and Republican parties, as some analysts suggest.
