A House Democrat said former President Donald Trump should be “eliminated” moments after he decried the use of “dangerous” rhetoric, an ironic choice of words that prompted blowback and led the congressman to issue an apology.
Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY), who served as lead counsel in the first impeachment of Trump, alluded to Trump’s 2024 bid to return to the White House while issuing a warning about the former president’s comments in relation to January 6 and legal cases.
“His rhetoric is really getting dangerous,” Goldman told MSNBC host Jen Psaki, a former Biden White House press secretary, during an interview that aired on Sunday.
.@RepDanGoldman: "His rhetoric is really getting dangerous… It is just unquestionable at this point that [Trump] cannot see public office again. He is not only unfit. He is destructive to our democracy. He has to be eliminated.” pic.twitter.com/9hS6NHlOB5
— Inside with Jen Psaki (@InsideWithPsaki) November 19, 2023
“It is just unquestionable at this point that that man [Trump] cannot see public office again,” Goldman also said. “He is not only unfit. He is destructive to our democracy. And he has to be eliminated.”
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The exchange, promoted by the X account for Psaki’s show “Inside with Jen Psaki,” drew a wave of backlash, particularly among Trump’s allies. Some even argued that what Goldman said amounted to a threat.
Goldman’s comments “are dangerous, inflammatory, and most probably illegal. They always accuse us of exactly what they are doing,” said Roger Stone, a longtime GOP operative and Trump confidant.
Tom Fitton, president of the conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch, said, “In the least, Goldman should be investigated by the Secret Service for this threat.” Collin Rugg, co-owner of Trending Politics, said, “By using his own ‘logic,’ Goldman should never see public office again.”
Goldman issued a statement to X on Monday, apologizing for his rhetoric.
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“Yesterday on TV, I mistakenly used the wrong word to express the importance for America that Donald Trump doesn’t become President again,” he said. “While he must be defeated, I certainly wish no harm to him and do not condone political violence. I apologize for the poor choice of words.”
Trump is facing four criminal cases and civil litigation, some of which have led to gag orders, as he runs a 2024 campaign seeking a second term in the White House. The former president has denied any wrongdoing and claims the prosecutions are politically motivated.