Donald Trump has frequently been a polarizing figure, and his recent remarks during a speech have ignited widespread discussion on social media.
During a gala at his Bedminster, New Jersey golf club over the weekend, Trump made remarks that many found unusual.
Clips from Trump’s speech have circulated widely on social media, prompting significant conversation, and it’s clear why.
The former US president’s comments were somewhat unexpected as he discussed the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk.
He mentioned the suspect identified by the FBI as Tyler Robinson, after stating that ‘smart people’ don’t like him, which surprisingly elicited laughter from the audience.
Trump commented: “Smart people don’t like me, you know? And they don’t like what we talk about.
“But he’s [Robinson] become radicalized, so many things have been learned about him so quickly, he’s become radicalized and crazy and it must have been traumatic because the parents are conservative people, supposed to be very nice people, living in Utah.
“The father turns in the son, boy that’s a tough deal.
“I actually asked somebody in the FBI how often does that happen, knowing even the guilt, that a father will turn in his son, or parents will turn in a son, and he said almost never.”
Kirk was killed while speaking at an event organized by his company, Turning Point USA, on Wednesday (September 10) at Utah Valley University. The FBI confirmed on Friday (September 12) they had detained a suspect identified as 22-year-old Robinson.
Trump’s critics seized on his ‘smart people’ remark, noting their usual disagreements with him.
Some suggested it could be interpreted as disparaging his supporters.
One Twitter user commented: “Did he just call MAGA dumb?! First time I believe what he actually said…”
Another remarked: “He can say anything, he knows it, MAGA will never accept they’ve been fooled.”
A third added: “Smart people generally don’t have much patience for those who are vacuous.”
Another user pointed out: “This may be the first genuinely truthful and sensible thing he’s ever said. Wow.. he insulted his fanbase on spot lmao.”
A fifth simply stated: “Smart people recognized a snake oil salesman.”
With another mocking Trump supporters: “You would think his followers might take issue with that. Oh, wait, then they wouldn’t be his followers.”
The White House has been contacted for further comment.