US President Donald Trump defended his often divisive rhetoric, as he fielded questions in his first town hall of 2020 on Thursday, and said he will continue to “hit back,” as the presidential election is in full swing.
“When they hit us we have to hit back,” Trump said responding to a question about his political rhetoric. “You can’t turn your cheek.”
The town hall – a televised question and answer session with potential voters – is Trump’s first in the 2020 presidential election cycle and comes as the race for his Democratic opponent has narrowed to a two-man competition.
Trump said he was “all set” to face left-wing Senator Bernie Sanders, describing him as “communist,” before former vice president Joe Biden had a surprise resurgence in the past few days.
The president defended his administration’s actions on health care and immigration, and discussed his foreign policy with North Korea and Afghanistan.
Trump – a known germaphobe who was once reluctant to shake supporters’ hands – also said he will continue to shake hands despite the outbreak of coronavirus.
“The bottom line is I shake anybody’s hand now, I’m proud of it,” he said. (dpa)
