After Jesus Christ, Trump compares himself to Mandela

FORMER US President Donald Trump, who has been indicted in four different criminal cases, on Saturday compared himself to South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela while accusing Merchan of violating the law in his First Amendment rights to free speech. 

In a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “If this Partisan Hack wants to put me in the 'clink' for speaking the open and obvious TRUTH, I will gladly become a Modern Day Nelson Mandela - It will be my GREAT HONOR."

It is pertinent to note that Nelson Mandela also spent 27 years in jail before being released and serving as South African president. He died in 2013. 

The criminal cases against Trump could end in jail time for the billionaire real estate mogul. One of the cases includes paying hush money to a one-time porn star before the 2016 presidential election when he defeated Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

On the other hand, Judge Juan Merchan has placed a partial gag order on Trump, who has publicly disparaged the judge on social media. The trial is scheduled to start on April 15.

Trump's comparison with Nelson Mandela sparked a quick criticism from US President Joe Biden's campaign team which called him “very self-centered". 

"Imagine being so self-centered that you compare yourself to Jesus Christ and Nelson Mandela all within the span of little more than a week: that's Donald Trump for you," the Biden team said in an official statement. 

Notably, this is not the first time Trump compared himself to Mandela. Previously, he likened himself to Mandela and Jesus Christ at a 2023 rally. 

The former US President on March 25 compared himself to Jesus while appearing in court for a hearing in connection to his hush money payment case. He also shared the Bible verse, Psalm 109:3–8↓. 

3 With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause.
4 In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.
5 They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship.
6 Appoint someone evil to oppose my enemy; let an accuser stand at his right hand.
7 When he is tried, let him be found guilty, and may his prayers condemn him.
8 May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership.

“Received this morning — Beautiful, thank you! 'It's ironic that Christ walked through His greatest persecution the very week they are trying to steal your property from you. But have you seen this verse...?" he wrote on Truth Social.