Fox News host Emily Compagno recently made headlines for her bold—and highly criticized—description of former President Donald Trump, which she presented during Monday’s broadcast of Outnumbered. The segment discussed Trump’s latest campaign speech in Las Vegas, where the presumptive GOP presidential nominee made a number of offbeat comments, including rambling about sharks, electrocution, and a glitchy teleprompter.

For most viewers, the speech seemed anything but “normal.” However, Compagno praised Trump for how he handled the teleprompter mishap, describing him as a “totally real, normal American.” She further elaborated, claiming that Trump’s impromptu moments and rambling remarks reflected his authenticity as a candidate.

“I mean, he handled that teleprompter glitch with aplomb,” Compagno remarked, before asserting that it demonstrated Trump’s true nature. “The bottom line of that moment by Trump is that it showed us who he is — he’s a normal, average American.”

This enthusiastic defense of Trump’s quirky performance didn’t sit well with many critics, who quickly took to social media to voice their disagreement.

A Teleprompter Glitch and More

Trump’s speech, which took place at a rally in Las Vegas, became an instant topic of discussion due to its unusual content. The former president, at one point, mentioned sharks and boats in a rambling tangent. He also complained about a malfunctioning teleprompter, blaming the contractors responsible for setting it up, and, as expected, made a controversial statement regarding the January 6 insurrectionists, calling them “warriors.”

While many were distracted by these off-the-cuff comments, Compagno remained undeterred in her praise for Trump’s speech. She argued that the glitchy moments and odd remarks actually showcased Trump’s authenticity and made him appear more relatable to the average American. According to Compagno, the media’s portrayal of Joe Biden’s verbal blunders was more about creating a political narrative than reporting facts.

However, her comments sparked widespread backlash, especially given Trump’s controversial legal issues, including his conviction in the hush money trial, which has yet to fully unfold.

Critics Speak Out

The internet was quick to react, with many mocking Compagno’s characterization of Trump as a “normal, average American.” Social media users were particularly baffled by the bizarre combination of sharks, electric boats, and water in Trump’s speech, with one Twitter user asking, “Does a normal, average American often ramble on about batteries in boats and sharks in connection to each other?”

Others couldn’t hide their frustration with what they saw as a dangerous level of praise for Trump. “He told his supporters he didn’t care if they died as long as they vote for him,” one commenter said. “What in the actual french fried [expletive] is wrong with you people?”

Compagno’s defense of Trump was also called out for its lack of credibility, with some arguing that Fox News was creating a narrative rather than reporting on the reality of the situation. “Fox News REALLY only have one type of message,” a critic tweeted.

The Bigger Picture: Trump’s Appeal and Compagno’s Defense

For many, Compagno’s defense of Trump was a shocking moment that revealed the stark contrast between mainstream political narratives and the reality of his actions and words. While some of Trump’s supporters may find his antics endearing or relatable, others are deeply disturbed by his controversial remarks and legal entanglements.

In this particular instance, it seemed that Compagno was attempting to frame Trump’s unfiltered remarks as a positive attribute, showing how he was “just like us.” However, this approach appeared to fall flat for many viewers, especially in light of the serious questions surrounding Trump’s presidency and ongoing legal battles.

Critics argue that what Compagno called “normal” was actually a dangerous and unpredictable performance from a man who, as a former president, should be held to a higher standard. Whether the public will continue to buy into this portrayal of Trump remains to be seen, but for now, his unique brand of chaos and charisma continues to fuel heated debates and discussions.

As for Compagno, her enthusiastic defense of Trump may only further solidify her position as one of Fox News’ most vocal and unapologetic hosts. But it also places her squarely in the center of a political storm—one that shows no sign of quieting down anytime soon.

Conclusion

What began as a seemingly routine campaign speech from Donald Trump turned into a circus of odd anecdotes, rambling tangents, and a controversial defense of insurrectionists. Meanwhile, Emily Compagno’s defense of these moments as a showcase of Trump’s “normal American” qualities sparked intense backlash from critics, many of whom pointed out the incoherence and dangerous implications of such praise.

With the 2024 election season fast approaching, moments like these are bound to become more frequent, as the line between political commentary and entertainment continues to blur. Whether Compagno’s comments will have any lasting impact on Trump’s support remains to be seen, but they certainly underscore the growing polarization in American political discourse.