At a vibrant rally in Norfolk, Virginia, with a crowd of US Navy officers, former President Donald Trump faced an awkward silence over the weekend.
The 79-year-old aimed a jab at his predecessor, Barack Obama, while celebrating the Navy’s 250th anniversary on Sunday, October 4. During his extended speech, Trump turned his attention toward rows filled with actively serving military personnel.
It’s important to note that many of these troops have been affected by the ongoing pay freeze resulting from the controversial government shutdown. Addressing this concern, Trump assured, “We will get our service members every last penny. Don’t stress over it.”
Throughout the event, he oscillated between recounting tales of battles not fought and jesting about the challenges and triumphs of military service, trying to win over the audience.
Yet, the most cringeworthy moment awaited as he attempted a comedic dig at the 44th President. In what many termed as a miscalculation, he mentioned Obama while recalling experiences with his former White House doctor, Rep. Ronny Jackson.
“A man that everybody loves, he was my doctor in the White House,” Trump began. The mention quickly turned towards Obama, “He also served as Barack Hussein Obama’s physician. Are you familiar with him?” The emphasis was pointedly placed on Obama’s middle name.
Trump’s focus on Obama’s middle name has previously been criticized as racially charged, with some suggesting it’s part of efforts to delegitimize Obama’s presidency.
Anticipating negative reactions, he waited for the audience’s response after stressing the middle name. However, instead of the expected boos, a heavy silence filled the air, seemingly lasting several moments.
Unperturbed by the quiet response, Trump sought to lift the mood by boasting about his health, a topic often scrutinized in the recent past.
“He was a doctor for a man named Bush,” Trump continued about Jackson. “During a press conference, they asked, ‘Who’s in the best shape, who’s the healthiest, who’s the strongest, who’s the best physical specimen of the three?’.
“‘That’s easy. President Donald Trump!’,” Trump concluded with a laugh, “And I said, ‘I love this guy!’.
