On Friday, former President Donald Trump stirred controversy by sharing a video on social media featuring an image of President Joe Biden appearing bound and restrained in the back of a pickup truck. The 20-second clip, purportedly filmed in Long Island, New York, displays a truck adorned with “Trump 2024” branding and a prominent picture portraying Biden tied up and reclining on his side.
Trump had been in Long Island the previous day to pay respects at the wake of fallen NYPD officer Jonathan Diller.
In response to inquiries about the image featured in the video, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung clarified that it was displayed on the rear of a pickup truck traveling along the highway. Cheung further alleged that “Democrats and crazed lunatics” have advocated for violence against Trump and his family, asserting that they have exploited the justice system to target him.
Cheung highlighted remarks made by Biden in 2018, prior to his presidential candidacy, wherein Biden stated that if he and Trump were in high school, he would confront Trump behind the gym and engage in physical altercation if he heard Trump demeaning women.
Reacting to Trump’s video, Biden campaign spokesman Michael Tyler condemned the former president’s actions, likening them to posts inciting violence or supporting extremist groups like the Proud Boys.
The White House deferred inquiries regarding the video to the campaign. Trump has a history of using aggressive language and imagery, both during his 2024 presidential campaign and prior to it.
In a speech on March 16, Trump warned of a “bloodbath” if he were not re-elected, particularly concerning the economy. Additionally, last year, prior to facing numerous indictments, Trump cautioned of “potential death and destruction” if he were to be charged in the Manhattan district attorney’s hush money case against him.
In another instance, Trump shared an article on Truth Social featuring an image of him holding a baseball bat near Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s head. The post was subsequently removed. Recently, Trump utilized his Truth Social platform to target Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the hush money case, and the judge’s daughter, following a partial gag order.
Facing four criminal indictments on charges ranging from election interference to mishandling classified documents and falsifying business records related to hush money payments, Trump has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all accusations.