Donald Trump was booed during a speech at the Libertarian Party National Convention on Saturday.
Libertarians have largely been critical of Trump, whose invitation to speak at the party’s event in Washington sparked massive division.
There were some shows of support, as he asked for the party’s support, with shouts of “USA! USA”, but the former president was booed at several points in his speech.
It was a very unusual spectacle, since Trump’s events are highly staged, which normally guarantees the support of his loyal followers.
Trump attempted to get libertarians on his side by describing President Joe Biden as a “tyrant” and the “worst president in American history,” but instead was met with cries of, “That’s you.”
Someone in the audience shouted, “Lock him up!” while another said: “Donald Trump is a threat to democracy!”
There were also shouts of “You had your chance!”, “Fuck you” and “You already had four years, you bastard.”
Someone carried a sign that said “No wannabe dictators allowed!” He was also dragged away by security.
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The former president tried to win the affection of party members by joking about his four criminal chargessaying, “If I wasn’t a libertarian before, I sure am one now.”
But amid more boos from the audience, he responded: “You don’t want to win” and stated that the party wants to “continue receiving its 3% every four years.”
In the 2016 election, Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson got 3% of the vote, but in 2020, candidate Jo Jorgensen only got about 1%.
Trump managed to get a standing ovation when he promised to reduce the life sentence of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the illegal drug sales website Silk Road, widely defended by libertarians, and those who prioritize individual freedoms and small government.
“Free Ross” signs go up as Donald Trump addresses libertarians in Washington. Photo: Reuters
“I’d rather eat my own foot.”
The event was an opportunity for Trump to recruit supporters of the independent candidate. Robert Kennedy Jr.who gave his own speech at the convention.
But speaking to NBC News, Libertarian Caryn Ann Harlos said of a possible Trump endorsement: “I’d rather eat my foot in a bear trap.”
Libertarians, who broke into their signature “end the Fed” chant to abolish the Fed, will choose their nomination for the White House on Sunday.
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Biden and Trump will face off again in November in a repeat of the 2020 presidential election; Polls show that most Americans do not favor a repeat of that race.
According to some forecasters, this could lead to an increase in support for independent or fringe candidates outside of the Democrats or Republicans.
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
