Former US President Donald Trump has unleashed a blistering attack on American news network MSNBC, branding its anchors "scum" and accusing the broadcaster of providing a dangerously soft portrayal of a violent Venezuelan migrant gang.
The explosive comments were made during a wide-ranging interview on Fox News, where Trump turned his fire on the media outlet he frequently targets. His fury was directed at MSNBC's coverage of Tren de Aragua, a notorious criminal organisation originating from Venezuela that has been linked to violent crimes across Latin America and is now suspected of establishing a foothold in the United States.
Trump vehemently claimed that MSNBC anchors were attempting to minimise the gang's brutal reputation, suggesting the network was deliberately downplaying the threat they pose to American communities. "They're trying to say this gang is not so bad," he stated during the interview, expressing disbelief at the perceived defence of the criminal group.
The former president directly linked the gang's presence to the current administration's immigration policies, arguing that "weak border controls are allowing dangerous organisations to infiltrate the country." His comments reflect ongoing conservative criticisms of President Joe Biden's handling of the southern border, which has seen record numbers of migrant encounters.
Tren de Aragua has gained notoriety for its involvement in various criminal activities, including:
- Drug trafficking and distribution networks
- Human smuggling operations across borders
- Violent extortion schemes targeting businesses
- Kidnapping for ransom operations
- Brutal murders and acts of intimidation
US immigration authorities and law enforcement agencies have increasingly expressed concern about the gang's expansion beyond South America. Intelligence reports suggest members have been entering the United States amid larger migrant groups, potentially establishing new criminal cells in American cities.
Trump's confrontation with MSNBC represents the latest chapter in his long-standing feud with mainstream media outlets he frequently labels as "fake news." His characterization of the network as "scum" demonstrates his continued willingness to employ aggressive rhetoric against media critics, a strategy that defined much of his presidency and continues in his current campaign activities.
The inflammatory remarks are likely to further polarise opinions on both immigration policy and media coverage of criminal organisations, ensuring the issue remains at the forefront of political discourse as election campaigning intensifies.
