NEW YORK, N.Y. — Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has drawn criticism and sparked debate after suggesting that former President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Madison Square Garden could mirror a notorious 1939 Nazi rally held at the same venue. The remarks were made during an event this week, where Clinton voiced concerns over what she described as rising authoritarian sentiment.
“One other thing that you’ll see next week is Trump actually re-enacting the Madison Square Garden rally in 1939,” Clinton said, referencing the rally organized by the pro-Nazi German American Bund that drew thousands of sympathizers to the iconic New York City arena nearly 85 years ago. Clinton cited this in connection with themes she addressed in her book, which explores the rise of authoritarianism and its echoes in American history.
JUST IN: Hillary Clinton claims Donald Trump is going to Madison Square Garden in NYC this weekend to re-enact the 1939 N*zi rally at MSG.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 25, 2024
Clinton thinks you are a N*zi if you support Trump.
"One other thing that you‘ll see next week is Trump actually re-enacting the Madison… pic.twitter.com/7x74vFAF27
During her comments, Clinton invoked the reaction of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who she said was “appalled that neo-Nazis fascists in America were lining up to essentially pledge their support for the kind of government that they were seeing in Germany.” Clinton did not provide specific evidence for her claims regarding Trump’s intentions for the rally, but emphasized her broader concern about far-right extremism.
The comparison drew immediate pushback from Trump supporters and Republican leaders, who dismissed the remarks as inflammatory. Clinton’s choice to draw parallels to a Nazi rally was met with strong reactions on social media, highlighting the deep political and social divisions in the country.
The Trump campaign has not yet publicly responded to Clinton’s statements. The rally at Madison Square Garden is scheduled for this weekend, with thousands of Trump supporters expected to attend.