Trump calls Alec Baldwin a ‘sick puppy’ and asks rally crowd: ‘Did he pull the trigger?’

Mr Trump weighed in on the fatal shooting of cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, on the set of Baldwin’s movie Rust

Nathan Place

New York

Saturday 07 May 2022 14:24 EDT

Comments

Trump rails against Alec Baldwin at Pennsylvania rally

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Donald Trump has once again lashed out at Alec Baldwin, calling the actor a “psycho” and a “sick puppy”.

During a rambling speech on Friday night in front of a rain-drenched rally of supporters in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, the former president riffed on Saturday Night Live, the TV comedy skit show where Baldwin played Mr Trump.

“Alec Baldwin’s a sick puppy, he was terrible,” Mr Trump said. “I haven’t seen the new guy, but I hear he’s better than Alec Baldwin – but anybody would be.”

The actor played Mr Trump on SNL from 2016 to the end of 2020, when the former president lost his reelection bid. Since then, the part has been played by cast member James Austin Johnson.

Mr Trump also weighed in on the fatal shooting of cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, on the set of the movie Rust.

“Hey, by the way, Alec Baldwin, did he pull the trigger?” Mr Trump asked the crowd. The audience cheered, and Mr Trump nodded.

“No, I think he’s a sick person,” the former president responded. “I mean I’ve watched him, he’s a psycho. Something happened there, that’s a strange deal.”

Baldwin held the gun that shot Ms Hutchins, but he denies that he pulled the trigger. Ms Hutchins’ family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Baldwin and others involved in the production, and police are still investigating the incident.

Rain-drenched Trump supporters attend a MAGA rally in Greensburg, Pennsylvania (Getty Images)

Mr Trump also reminisced about previous seasons of SNL which he said that he used to enjoy.

“You remember Jon Lovitz, the liar?” the former president asked, recalling a character from the late 1980s. “A horrible show now but it used to be good.”

At the same rally, Mr Trump reiterated his endorsement of Dr Mehmet Oz, a Republican candidate for Pennsylvania’s open Senate seat. Many of the former president’s supporters have doubted Dr Oz’s MAGA bona fides, citing his past support for abortion rights, transgender Americans, and other issues.

“My friend, Dr Mehmet Oz – he’s a great man,” Mr Trump told the crowd. The comment drew loud boos from the audience.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies