In a private event held on Saturday, former President Donald Trump compared the Biden administration to the Gestapo secret police in fascist Germany, drawing sharp criticism from senior congressional Democrat James Clyburn. Clyburn, an 83-year-old South Carolina Democrat, responded to Trump's remarks, saying they were "incredible but not surprising" given Trump's tendency for hyperbole.

Clyburn expressed his concerns over Trump's understanding of the country, stating, "I thought we left behind that understanding more than 100 years ago." He further alluded to the 1876 presidential election and the country's deviation from the right path since then. Though the words may differ, Clyburn emphasized that the underlying meaning remains the same.

The former president hosted a private lunch at his Mar-a-Lago club, attended by Republican donors and party leaders, including potential running mates. Notably, South Dakota governor Kristi Noem, who has recently faced political damage due to revelations in her memoir, left the event early.

During his address, which lasted over an hour, Trump singled out New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik, praising her as "an amazing talent," along with Senator Marco Rubio. He brought all the guests, except Noem, on stage, including House speaker Mike Johnson.

Trump's comparison of the Biden administration to the Gestapo administration caught attention. "These people are running a Gestapo administration," Trump reportedly stated, emphasizing that this was their only way to secure victory.

Republican North Dakota governor Doug Burgum appeared on CNN's State of the Union, essentially confirming Trump's statement but downplaying its significance. Burgum mentioned that Trump made the comparison while accusing Biden's White House of being behind his ongoing legal troubles. He added that a majority of Americans feel the trial is politically motivated.

As for Trump, he is scheduled to appear in a Manhattan courtroom on Monday to face 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, specifically regarding hush-money payments made to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.

Trump's controversial remarks and impending legal battles continue to fuel discussions and divide opinions among politicians and the public alike. Clyburn's response emphasizes the need for thoughtful and responsible discourse in political discussions, particularly when comparing current situations to tumultuous historical periods.