Donald Trump drew sharp criticism for his reaction to a protester being physically confronted by another attendee during a campaign rally in South Carolina. The incident occurred Wednesday at Clemson University during a rally for Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.).
Video footage from the event, livestreamed by Fox News, shows multiple individuals disrupting Trump's speech. At one point, as Trump spoke about immigration, the camera shifted to a section of the audience where a protester appeared to be struck by another rally-goer. Security personnel subsequently escorted the protester away, while the alleged assailant remained in place.
Trump, observing the incident, appeared to express approval and amusement. "Wow, thank you, that was great. Man," he said as the protester was removed and the crowd chanted "USA, USA." He continued to comment on the altercation, noting the individual who threw the punch and remarking, "He got whacked. Man." Trump also referenced former boxer Evander Holyfield, who was present at the rally, in connection with the punch.
Critics on social media condemned Trump's response and the broader event. One post described Trump's apparent jubilation over an American being punched as "disturbing," alongside the audience's reaction. Another critic labeled the exchange as "depraved" and "disturbing."