Dem Rep. Goldman apologizes after calling for Trump to be 'eliminated'

"It is just unquestionable at this point that that man cannot see public office again. He is not only unfit, he is destructive to our democracy and he has to be eliminated," Goldman said.

By Ben Whedon

Published: November 20, 2023 6:24pm

Updated: November 20, 2023 6:35pm

Democratic New York Rep. Dan Goldman on Sunday suggested that former President Donald Trump constituted a threat to American democracy and ought not to be eligible to hold public office again. His choice of words, however, drew criticism for giving the appearance of condoning political violence, and prompted him to later clarify his position.

During an appearance on MSNBC's "Inside with Jen Psaki," the lawmaker said that Trump's "rhetoric is really getting dangerous, more and more dangerous, and we saw what happened on Jan. 6, when he uses inflammatory rhetoric."

"It is just unquestionable at this point that that man cannot see public office again. He is not only unfit, he is destructive to our democracy and he has to be eliminated," he continued.

Dan Goldman on Donald Trump: “It is just unquestionable at this point that he cannot see public office again. He is not only unfit. He is destructive to our democracy. He has to be eliminated.” pic.twitter.com/BRUWlpAd7z

— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) November 20, 2023

Goldman's choice of words, in particular the use of "eliminated," led conservatives to suggest that he ought to receive a visit from Secret Service for using a turn of phrase that could be construed as calling for Trump's assassination.

"In the least, Goldman should be investigated by the Secret Service for this threat," Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton commented.

"If a Republican went on TV and said that a Democrat presidential candidate needed to be 'eliminated' they'd be raided by the FBI within hours. Donald Trump is facing half a millennia in prison for saying people should 'fight,'" TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk posted. "Instead, Dan Goldman alludes to the assassination of Donald Trump and does so with zero consequences and zero fear of any consequences."

Goldman later clarified that he intended Trump no harm.

"Yesterday on TV, I mistakenly used the wrong word to express the importance for America that Donald Trump doesn’t become President again. While he must be defeated, I certainly wish no harm to him and do not condone political violence. I apologize for the poor choice of words," he said on Monday.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.