In a private session at his Mar-a-Lago resort this weekend, former President Donald Trump reportedly told Republican donors that President Joe Biden's administration was running a "Gestapo administration." The comments, reminiscent of Nazi Germany's secret police force, were described by anonymous sources who attended the event, according to The New York Times.

During the event, Trump voiced his complaints about the multiple criminal prosecutions he is facing, including the ongoing hush money and fraud trial in New York, as well as cases related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The comparison to Nazi-era tactics, however, is unfounded and serves as a deflection from the charges against him, particularly his role in the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021.

Republican Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota, a potential contender for Trump's running mate, essentially confirmed the former president's statement. However, Burgum downplayed its significance, stating that it was a brief comment that was not central to the conversation. He also claimed that a majority of Americans believe that the ongoing trial against Trump is politically motivated.

Biden's reelection campaign swiftly condemned Trump's reference to the Holocaust, criticizing the former president for attacking law enforcement, celebrating political violence, and threatening democracy. Trump's campaign did not respond to requests for comment from the Associated Press.

This is not the first time Trump has employed rhetoric reminiscent of dictators. In the past, he has referred to political opponents as "vermin" and made derogatory statements about migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump, however, has denied having any knowledge of Adolf Hitler and his statements during his rule in Germany.

According to sources, Trump's speech at the fundraiser lasted for at least 90 minutes, during which he mixed his grievances with enthusiastic support for the Republican Party. He promised that "the gloves are coming off" in his fight against Biden and mentioned several GOP congressional figures who may be contenders for his vice presidential pick.

Among the notable Republican figures present were Senators Tim Scott of South Carolina, Marco Rubio of Florida, and JD Vance of Ohio. Trump praised Rubio and alluded to a "Florida problem," referring to the constitutional requirement that the president and vice president cannot claim the same state as their residences. Rubio and Scott deflected questions about their prospects on Sunday talk shows.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, also attended the event to solidify support from Trump. Johnson previously coordinated one of the legal challenges against the 2020 election that Trump lost but now faces a potential challenge to his position from far-right Republicans led by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.

In conclusion, Trump's remarks about a "Gestapo administration" during the Mar-a-Lago fundraiser have sparked controversy and criticism. As the former president continues to deal with ongoing legal troubles, including his hush money and fraud trial, his rhetoric invokes comparisons to authoritarian regimes, with Biden's administration firmly denying the accusations made against them.