Article Summary –
Donald Trump faced boos and insults during his address to the Libertarian Party National Convention, with attendees criticizing him for increasing federal deficits and enriching pharmaceutical companies through COVID-19 vaccine development. His appearance divided the party, with some cheering him on while others maintained their skepticism towards his policies. Despite the negativity, Trump tried to curry favor with the crowd, promising to include a Libertarian in his Cabinet and to commute the life sentence of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, which was met with cheers from some attendees.
Trump Jeered at Libertarian Convention Over Federal Deficits and Vaccine Profits
At the Libertarian Party National Convention on Saturday night, Donald Trump faced an uncommon wave of boos. Trump’s critics called him out for overspending on federal deficits and fueling pharmaceutical profits through COVID-19 vaccine development.
Libertarians, known for their preference for small government and individual freedoms, remained divided over Trump’s invitation to speak at the convention. Trump joked about his four criminal indictments, declaring himself a Libertarian.
As the audience backlash continued, even Trump’s criticisms of President Joe Biden as a “tyrant” and “worst president in U.S. history” were met with counter-chants of “That’s you.”
Trump was critical of the Libertarian’s electoral chances, noting their historically low vote shares. In the 2016 and 2020 elections, Libertarian nominees Gary Johnson and Jo Jorgensen won about 3% and slightly over 1% of the national vote respectively.
In his bid to win over Libertarian voters for the 2024 election, Trump also targeted independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who gave his speech at the Libertarian convention on Friday. Trump’s team hopes to reach potential supporters beyond traditionally Republican strongholds.
Despite his efforts, Trump’s overtures were met with skepticism. Many in the crowd remained hostile. A Libertarian presidential nominee, Michael Rectenwald, stated prior to Trump’s arrival, “none of us are great fans of Donald Trump.”
The Libertarians’ unease with Trump was also echoed by Peter Goettler, CEO of the libertarian Cato Institute, who argued Trump’s presence violated the conventions’ fundamental values.
Trump’s previous praise for Kennedy has shifted, with him now suggesting a vote for Kennedy would be wasted. He has accused Kennedy of being a “fake” vaccines opponent. Kennedy, for his part, accused both Trump and Biden of trampling personal liberties in their COVID-19 response.
Biden, meanwhile, has garnered the backing of several high-profile Kennedy family members, in an attempt to undermine Kennedy’s candidacy. Kevin Munoz, a spokesperson for Biden’s reelection campaign, criticized Trump and Republicans for opposing abortion access and limiting civil society.
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