Former President Trump Compares Migrants to Hannibal Lecter in Fearmongering Rally Speech

During a rally in Wildwood, N.J., on Saturday, former President Donald J. Trump revisited a familiar theme in his public addresses, evoking fear and concern over migration by drawing comparisons to the fictional character Hannibal Lecter from “The Silence of the Lambs.”

Comparing Migrants to Hannibal Lecter

Addressing the crowd, Mr. Trump referred to Hannibal Lecter as a "wonderful man" and recalled a scene from the movie, where the character famously says, "I’m about to have a friend for dinner." He used this reference to underscore his point about people being released into the country without proper checks, expressing his belief that such unchecked migration is destructive to the nation's well-being.

Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Mr. Trump urged the audience to ensure victory in the upcoming election, warning that the future of the country depended on it. He asserted that failure to win the election would lead to the country being "doomed."

Unsubstantiated Claims

Since announcing his presidential candidacy in 2015, Mr. Trump has frequently alleged that those entering the country are violent criminals or mentally ill individuals, sent by other nations. Notwithstanding, border authorities have contradicted these claims, stating that the majority of migrants crossing the border are vulnerable families seeking refuge from poverty and violence.