(LibertySociety.com) – Actress Ellen Barkin called for a boycott of Madison Square Garden on Sunday, criticizing the venue for hosting a rally for former President Donald Trump, which she labeled a “Nazi rally.” Barkin’s statements, shared on social media, included the claim that Trump might round up Americans into camps, which sparked a strong reaction online. The boycott call was highly controversial, given that Madison Square Garden is a staple New York City venue and home to both the New York Knicks and Rangers, making any attempt at a wide-scale boycott unlikely.
Barkin’s remarks coincided with recent efforts by several high-profile Democrats to brand Trump’s campaign events as “fascist” or reminiscent of authoritarian gatherings. Notably, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz previously used similar rhetoric, with Clinton drawing comparisons between Trump and authoritarian figures of the past. Additionally, the Kamala Harris campaign has supported messaging that paints Trump as aligning with far-right ideology.
Reports indicate that Sunday’s rally at Madison Square Garden was attended by a diverse crowd, including a visible number of Jewish attendees, among them Orthodox and Hasidic Jews. According to sources present at the rally, attendees expressed their support for Trump as well as concerns over policies affecting religious freedom and security in New York City. The presence of Jewish supporters highlighted the complexity of the gathering, contrasting with Barkin’s sweeping condemnation.
This public controversy has added to the ongoing polarization of Trump’s 2024 campaign, with cultural figures and political allies on both sides weighing in. Barkin’s comments join a broader debate over the tone of political discourse in the current election cycle, as supporters and critics alike analyze the significance of both Trump’s rhetoric and the increasingly intense reactions to his campaign events.
Copyright 2024, LibertySociety.com
