White House attacks Trump's Veterans Day 'vermin' comments

The Biden White House pushed back on Donald Trump's use of the term "vermin" to describe his political opponents, claiming the former president echoed fascist dictators.

In a Veterans Day speech, Trump vowed to, if he wins the presidency in 2024, "root out ... radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country."

"The threat from outside forces is far less sinister, dangerous, and grave than the threat from within," he continued.

The White House responded to Trump's speech by noting that the administration will not comment on the 2024 election, but spokesman Andrew Bates cautioned against Trump's rhetoric in a statement.

"The nation just observed Veterans Day, recognizing the sacred memory of every American who risked their lives to defend our freedom. Veterans who are absolutely not 'suckers' or 'losers' but who, as President Biden has said, deserve our greatest respect," he wrote. "Suspending the Constitution would gut the protection of freedom that defines our country, and for which so many brave service members sacrificed everything."