US President Donald Trump is facing a fresh wave of criticism after likening himself to Abraham Lincoln in the wake of a recent assassination scare, a comparison that has ignited fierce reactions from political observers, historians and the public. What might have been a routine post-incident comment has instead reopened long-running debates about Trump's rhetoric, sense of history and view of his own legacy.
The comments came aftera shooting incidentdisrupted the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where Trump was in attendance. Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked the US president why he continues to be involved in similar incidents.
'Respectfully, why do you think this keeps happening to you?' Doocy asked.
'Well, you know, I've studied assassinations. And I must tell you the most impactful people, the people that do the most,' Trump said. 'You take a look at Abraham Lincoln....the people that make the biggest impact, they're the ones that they go after.'
'I hate to say I'm honoured by that, but I've done a lot,' he continued. 'We've changed this country, and there are a lot of people who are not happy about that. So I think that's the answer.'
THIS IS HILARIOUS 🍿Journalist — Why does such attacks keep happening to you?Trump — The people who make the biggest impacts, like Abraham Lincoln, are the one they go after. I hate to say it but I’m honoured to be one.So this clown is comparing himself with Abraham Lincoln…pic.twitter.com/EJ9z0n6wXl
Trump added, 'I lead a pretty normal life, considering, you know, it's a dangerous life.'
'A lot of other people, you know, you read stories where they become basket cases. To be honest, I'm not a basket case,' he concluded.
The comparison quickly sparked backlash across social media and political circles. Critics described the remarks as tone-deaf, with many arguing that equating modern political threats to Lincoln's assassination trivialises one of the most tragic moments in American history. Lincoln was killed at the end of the Civil War, a period of deep national division and violence, a context that historians say is not directly comparable to contemporary events.
Online, reactions ranged from disbelief to outrage. Many users accused Trump of exaggerating his situation and using the comparison to elevate his own legacy. Others mocked the remark, pointing to a pattern of Trump aligning himself with historic figures in ways they consider inappropriate or self-aggrandising.
Source: International Business Times UK
