Trump Mocks Political Rival With Bizarre Eating Noises, Claims He's Sickened by Meat

During a rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Tuesday, former President Donald Trump resorted to unusual vocalizations and unfounded claims to mock James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate. Trump alleged that Talarico's recent absence from the campaign trail, attributed to the flu, was actually a result of him being sickened by eating meat.

"I happen to think he was food poisoned by meat because he can’t stand it," Trump stated. He repeatedly and inaccurately characterized Talarico as a vegan. Trump then proceeded to mimic Talarico eating, making a sound described as "ahaaaa" and continuing to imitate eating.

Trump also claimed Talarico vomits after consuming meat. However, Talarico is not a vegan or vegetarian. In May, Talarico stated, "I’ve been eating barbecue since before Ken Paxton’s first indictment," referencing the Texas Attorney General's legal troubles.

Trump's rally remarks follow a pattern of increasingly uninhibited commentary. Last week, he reportedly made a "weird gagging noise" instead of naming former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. He has also made lengthy remarks about the physical appearance of men he has met, including Senator Jon Husted and rapper Nicki Minaj.

The incident involving Talarico quickly drew attention on social media, with clips of Trump's peculiar imitation circulating online.