Former US President Donald Trump made a startling assertion during a recent campaign stop in Pennsylvania, claiming his late uncle had a role in the investigation of the notorious Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski.
Speaking to supporters, Trump suggested that his uncle, John Trump, a respected MIT professor, had contributed to forensic research linked to the Unabomber case. However, historical records show no direct connection between John Trump and Kaczynski’s capture.
What Did Trump Actually Say?
During his speech, Trump praised his uncle’s academic achievements, stating: "He was a great super-genius… they would say he was like a nuclear genius." He then implied that his uncle’s work was somehow tied to the FBI’s investigation into Kaczynski, who terrorised America with mail bombs between 1978 and 1995.
Fact-Checking Trump’s Claim
While John Trump was indeed a prominent electrical engineer at MIT, there is no evidence he was involved in the Unabomber case. Kaczynski was ultimately apprehended in 1996 after his brother recognised his writing style in the Unabomber’s manifesto.
Experts have dismissed Trump’s remarks as misleading, with historians noting that the former president has a tendency to embellish family accomplishments.
Why This Matters
Trump’s latest comments add to a pattern of controversial statements during his 2024 campaign. Critics argue that such claims, while attention-grabbing, often lack factual basis and contribute to political misinformation.
Meanwhile, supporters at the rally appeared unfazed, cheering as Trump continued to tout his family’s supposed legacy in law enforcement and academia.
