Former President Donald Trump has once again become a buzzword on social media platforms (many of which remain inaccessible to him). But while some continue to rail against the US elections, the focus is now on a new book by Wall Street Journal's Michael Bender.
According to an excerpt from "Frankly, We Did Win This Election" that was accessed by The Guardian, the Republican leader had indicated to his then chief of staff John Kelly that German dictator Adolf Hitler might have some redeeming qualities. The conversation reportedly took place during a trip to Europe in 2018 to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.
Bender writes that during an impromptu history lesson in which Kelly was telling the former president "which countries were on which side during the conflict", Trump insisted, "Well, Hitler did a lot of good things".
The report goes on to add that while a stunned Kelly countered this point, the President had been "undeterred", emphasising German economic recovery under Hitler during the 1930s.
The news has been countered by Trump spokesperson Liz Harrington who dubbed the claim as being "totally false". "President Trump never said this. It is made-up fake news, probably by a general who was incompetent and was fired," the statement said.
Needless to say, social media users are not happy with the situation. While some drew unflattering parallels between Hitler's administration the the Trump Presidency, others said that they were "not at all surprised".
"Are we living in the twilight zone? How can so many people continue to support Trump?" wondered one Twitter user.
But of course, where you have critics, there are countless counter-critics ready to take you on. "You ARE aware that Hitler DID do a lot of good things, right? Germany was a MESS when he came to power, and he fixed a LOT of issues. Because you don't like the truth, doesn't make Trump wrong, it makes you look ignorant. Seek help. Your hatred of Trump is consuming you," wrote one Twitter user.
