LANSING — In a stunning exchange this weekend, Mike Duggan failed to condemn Donald Trump threats of political violence against lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin—and now when pressed, Duggan’s campaign is still not condemning them, with his spokesperson saying that “he is running for state office, not federal office, and has made it his practice in this campaign to stick to state issues.” Duggan has previously weighed in on national issues including defending Donald Trump’s cuts to Medicaid—making his silence even more stunning.
When asked about Trump’s comments on WXYZ this weekend, Duggan refused to speak out against Trump, saying that he’s “not going to get involved in the national debate.”
It comes as Trump has threatened lawmakers with death and even called for them to be hanged.
“It’s shameful and deeply troubling that Mike Duggan failed to condemn Donald Trump’s vile threats of political violence and execution against lawmakers,” said Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel. “Political violence is a very real danger—and every leader across our state should use every opportunity to unequivocally reject Trump’s dangerous rhetoric. Mike Duggan’s refusal to denounce these violent threats is unacceptable, and just another sign that he won’t stand up to Trump and can’t be trusted to lead our state.”
Detroit Metro Times: Duggan won’t say if Trump’s execution threats go too far
- Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan had an opportunity this weekend to say whether he thinks President Donald Trump’s threats of jailing and executing political opponents has gone too far.
- He passed.
- Appearing on WXYZ’s Spotlight on the News over the weekend, Duggan, who is running for governor as an independent, was asked about Trump accusing Democratic lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, of “seditious behavior.” Trump suggested their actions could be “punishable by DEATH” after they released a video reminding military members they can refuse illegal orders.
- Instead of answering, Duggan dodged the question, as he often has when asked about Trump’s dangerous behavior and policies.
- “I’ve stayed out of these national debates,” Duggan said. “I’m not going to get involved in the national debate.”
- Last week, Trump’s dangerous rhetoric drew widespread condemnation, even from members of his own party. Slotkin reportedly received a bomb threat last week.
- So far, Duggan isn’t willing to talk about it.
- While some Republicans who support Trump were willing to say his threats crossed a line, Duggan has chosen to remain silent.
- Duggan says he wants to leave the “us vs. them” politics behind him, but many voters also want to know whether a would-be governor believes it’s acceptable for a president to suggest that his critics are “traitors” who deserve death.
- Duggan chose to duck on live TV when given the chance to condemn Trump’s dangerous rhetoric.
- The real question in this campaign may not be whether he’s a Democrat, Republican, or independent. It’s whether Michigan voters will accept a governor who won’t say where he stands when it really matters.
###
