Analysis
Trump’s statement was a rhetorical exaggeration rather than a literal claim, so it cannot be fact-checked as strictly *true* or *false*. However, it was misleading in its absolute phrasing, as no politician—even one with a devoted base—could commit a violent crime without consequences. That said, polling during the 2016 campaign (e.g., from **Pew, Gallup, and Morning Consult**) did show remarkably stable support among his core voters despite controversial remarks, lending partial credibility to the *sentiment* behind his claim. His approval ratings among Republicans remained high (~80-90%) through multiple scandals, though this did not equate to immunity from *all* electoral backlash.
Background
The comment was made during the 2016 GOP primary, a period marked by Trump’s unorthodox campaign style and defiance of political norms. His base’s loyalty was frequently noted by analysts, with some attributing it to anti-establishment sentiment, media polarization, or cultural grievances. While no politician has tested the literal extreme Trump described, his presidency later saw sustained Republican support even after impeachments and legal controversies.
Verdict summary
Trump’s 2016 claim was hyperbolic and untested, but it reflected a broader pattern of unwavering loyalty among his core base at the time, as evidenced by polling and political analysis.