Former President Trump reaffirms his position on the elections/Refuses to speak clearly about the war in Ukraine

2023-05-11 08:02:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Former President Trump reaffirms his position on the elections/Refuses to speak

Former President Donald Trump

Former President Donald Trump stood by his stance on the 2020 election, downplayed the violence of Jan. 6, 2021, refused to speak out about the war in Ukraine and challenged a jury's conclusion this week that he was responsible for sexually abusing former journalist E .Jean Carroll.

In a CNN-hosted New Hampshire debate moderated by reporter Kaitlan Collins and an audience of Republicans and undecideds, the former president continued to insist that the election had been "rigged," even though state and federal election officials , his campaign officials, and multiple courts have dismissed his allegations.

Mr. Trump also repeatedly downplayed the violence caused by the mob of his supporters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 in an effort to stop the certification of President Joe Biden's victory.

Instead, he said he was willing to pardon "a large portion" of the Jan. 6 defendants if re-elected.

He also said he had no need to apologize to his former vice president, Mike Pence, who was targeted by the mob.

"I think he was in danger," he said, adding that it was actually Mr. Pence who was "wrong."

Mr. Trump again insisted in Wednesday's debate that he did not know Ms. Carroll, although he attacked her sharply.

Mr Trump has repeatedly refused to say whether he would sign a federal abortion ban if it were up to him to sign, saying he would "negotiate" so "people are happy".

"I look for a workable solution," he said.

Mr Trump also refused to say whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war against Russia.

Moderator Collins asked Mr. Trump if he supported Ukraine.

"I don't think about who wins and who loses. I think how to solve it in order to stop the murders", he said.

The debate that also marked Mr. Trump's return to CNN was tense. Former President Trump has repeatedly attacked the television network and in Wednesday's debate he insulted journalist Collins

However, Mr. Trump's team saw the invitation from CNN as an opportunity to attract a wider group of voters./ Voa