Trump on His Post-Mail Bombs Rhetoric: ‘I Could Tone It Up’
President rejects notion his harsh message about Democrats played a role
President Donald Trump again deflected any responsibility for the string of pipe bombs mailed to Democratic officials and a major news organization.
“There’s no blame,” he said Friday, when asked if he feels any responsibility due to his sharp rhetoric.
Will he ramp down his often-harsh rhetoric about his political foes?
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“I think I’ve been toned down. I could really tone it up,” Trump said. “The media has been very unfair. … But with all that said, we’re winning.”
Federal law enforcement officials found “a needle in a haystack” when they located and arrested Cesar Sayoc Jr. in connection with mail bombs sent to prominent Democrats and CNN.
The suspect faces five federal charges — including interstate transport of explosive devices, illegal mailing of explosives, threatening former presidents and assaulting federal officers — and up to 58 years in prison.
Trump acknowledged the man preferred him over “other people,” meaning politicians.
As he departed for a campaign rally in Charlotte, Trump predicted GOP candidates in House races will do better than predicted.
Echoing a morning tweet, he expressed confidence that Republicans have “momentum” less than two weeks from Election Day.
Katherine Tully-McManus contributed to this report.