Clinton demands ‘formal deprogramming’ of Trump supporters, grilled by DeSantis, Donalds
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is under fire by some Florida Republicans for renewed attacks against supporters of former President Donald Trump.
She said there should be “a formal deprogramming of the cult members,” referring to Trump’s supporters.
“But there wasn’t this little tale of extremism waving – you know – wagging the dog of the Republican Party as it is today,” she said. “And sadly, so many of those extremists, those MAGA extremists, take their marching orders from Donald Trump, who has no credibility left by any measure.”
“He’s only in it for himself,” Clinton continued. “He’s now defending himself in civil actions and criminal actions. And when do they break with him?”
“You know, because, at some point, you know, maybe there needs to be a formal deprogramming of the cult members. But something needs to happen.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis said the “bulk” of Trump’s supporters appreciate what he did as president from early 2017-early 2021.
“I reject that,” he said of Clinton’s comments. “These are patriot Americans.”
“They want to see the country do well,” he continued. “There’s a lot of differences [but] these folks want to see the country do well.”
Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., harkened to when Clinton labeled Trump supporters “deplorable” during the 2016 campaign.
“Last night on CNN, she called Republicans ‘extremists,’ a ‘cult’ & called for the ‘formal deprograming’ of Republicans across our country,” Donalds said. “This is unhinged behavior.”
In reference to Clinton’s comments that there should be “backlash” against “extremists” like Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz amidst the ousting of California Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy as speaker, Gaetz said, “I did not kill myself.”
“At some point, there needs to be a backlash against the control that this small group of extremists have,” the former Democratic candidate for president said. “I don’t know who will lead that, but let’s hope whoever becomes the new speaker will.”
Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan and Louisiana Republican Rep. Steve Scalise, also House majority leader, are both running for speaker.
Jordan has been endorsed by Trump.
