Trump Asks, ‘Am I Allowed to Hit Her Now?’ Sparking Outrage Over Comments on Michelle Obama

Former President Donald Trump sparked widespread outrage this week with violent language toward former First Lady Michelle Obama during a North Carolina rally. Addressing a crowd of supporters, Trump alluded to “hitting back” after Obama criticized his values, drawing strong reactions across social media and from political analysts.

“She hit me the other day,” Trump told the rally crowd, referencing Obama’s recent comments in which she urged voters to consider the values they were supporting. “I was going to say to my people, ‘Am I allowed to hit her now?’”

The comments appear to have been in response to Michelle Obama’s rally the previous evening, where she criticized Trump’s stance on inclusivity and the values he represents. Obama, addressing parents and families, argued that a vote for Trump would be a contradiction to the ideals of acceptance and respect that Americans aspire to instill in their children.

“There is no way that we can tell our kids that anything is possible, that we should be open and accepting of every voice and perspective, and then give them a leader who contradicts all of those lessons,” she reportedly stated. She further warned that if Trump were re-elected, it would “infect all of our lives, no matter how old we are,” a statement Trump appeared to take personally.

During the rally, Trump continued by mimicking a conversation between himself and his staff, whom he sarcastically referred to as “geniuses.” Trump’s team advised him to “take it easy” and avoid aggressive rhetoric. But Trump expressed frustration at this guidance, telling the crowd he was not keen to hold back.

“They said, ‘Take it easy, sir,’” Trump recounted. “Well, what do you mean? She said bad about me. I can’t hit back?” As Trump asked his supporters whether he should heed his team’s advice or retaliate, the crowd cheered in approval, egging him on. Trump then teased his response, saying, “They say hit back. I’d actually love to hit back, but we’ll hold it a little while.”

The comment sparked backlash online, particularly after Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign posted a video clip of the remarks on X, formerly known as Twitter. Reactions ranged from shock to condemnation. Tara Dublin, an opinion writer for The Hill, highlighted Trump’s longstanding criticism of the Obamas, noting, “He was never nice to the Obamas. He also looks & sounds like he died last week but no one wants to tell him.”

CNN senior reporter Edward-Isaac Dovere suggested that Trump’s remarks could alienate female voters, a demographic expected to play a significant role in the upcoming election. “In a race that could be decided by the growing gender gap,” Dovere observed, “Trump’s closing message on Michelle Obama is: ‘Am I allowed to hit her now?’”

Political analyst Brian Tyler Cohen acknowledged Trump’s words were likely metaphorical but questioned the appropriateness of his tone. “Trump asking if he’s ‘allowed to hit’ Michelle Obama as a closing message is somehow just too on the nose,” he tweeted.

This incident underscores the polarized nature of the current political landscape and highlights the stark contrast in campaign messages as Trump and Harris vie for support in the upcoming election. Whether Trump’s rhetoric will appeal to his base or further widen the gender gap remains to be seen, but his words have undoubtedly added fuel to an already heated political atmosphere.