At the weekend’s second rally, Donald Trump spouted typical racism and election lies, but also apologized “on behalf of the country.” The apology was to Republican Congressman Matt Gates. For months he had been under investigation for alleged sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl. He obstructed justice by bringing women across state lines for prostitution. The twice-impeached former president believes he has the authority not only to speak out on behalf of the country that overthrew him, but to apologize on behalf of the country to suspected sex traffickers. seems to be
“Great people can be controversial at times, but no one is better than this guy. He’s been through a lot,” Trump said of Gates.
Gates and his friend Joel Greenberg came under suspicion in 2020 after prosecutors indicted Greenberg for fabricating false allegations and false evidence to smear a political opponent. During Greenberg’s investigation, authorities also found evidence leading him to believe he may have paid women, including 17-year-olds, to have sex with Gates. claims innocence.
At the rally, Trump tried not to be too specific about the details of the Gates investigation. “The words we can’t say, I’m not going to say, but he went through what had to do with it and the way he was treated was terrible. Everyone says he’s smart and he loves this state and this country.Matt Gates.Great man,great man.It’s really great,thank you.I apologize on behalf of my country.Your experience. Because what you did was just awful and unnecessary.”
But perhaps Trump should apologize on his own behalf. That’s because when Gates asked for a preemptive pardon for him before he left the White House, Trump didn’t pardon him. Gates complained that the Justice Department was “making hell his life.” According to McEntee, Gaetz said it would be “great” if Trump could pardon him. But Trump wouldn’t let him.
Greenberg eventually pleaded guilty to six counts, including sex trafficking of minors, and agreed to cooperate with law enforcement in the Gates investigation. It recommended not prosecuting lawmakers on this issue because of doubts about what a person’s key witness would look like to a jury.
The rest of Trump’s speech at the Florida rally was filled with his typical fare. “By the way, how’s she been lately?” I ask cheerfully. When she learned that the husband of the Speaker of the House, Paul Pelosi, had been attacked by a man who broke into her home with a hammer, leaving Pelosi with a fractured skull and other serious injuries.Trump also repeated her lies about the 2020 election, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court admitted that her 2020 votes shouldn’t have been counted, but she didn’t. She later claimed that Trump looked like a hint He may announce his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election at a rally scheduled in Ohio on Monday.
“I probably have to do that to make our country successful, safe and glorious. [run] See you soon,” Trump said. “stay tuned.”
