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Stage design for the CPAC 2021
Photo: JOE MARINO / imago images / UPI Photo
For the first time since the end of his tenure as US President Donald Trump has made a public speech again - and according to some critics standing on an SS rune.
Trump had spoken at the CPAC conference, an event organized by conservative activists.
The stage caused a sensation on Twitter: It is said to resemble a rune that was used by the SS and the Hitler Youth, among others.
The Hyatt Group, whose hotel in Orlando was the venue for the CPAC, has now commented.
She distanced herself from the organizer - and called the set "hideous".
Hyatt was not responsible for the design of the stage, it says in a statement.
Everything was organized by the American Conservative Union, the organizer of the conference.
The allegations that "symbols of hatred" were displayed in their home are to be taken seriously.
Such signs would "clearly run counter to the company's values."
Similarity to the Othala rune
The stage could be seen from above as a square and had two angled inlets from the left and right.
It thus resembles the Othala rune, as used by the SS, among others.
After 1945 the symbol was used by neo-Nazi groups.
Several users on Twitter were outraged by the similarity.
Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union, called the comparisons "outrageous and defamatory."
His organization is closely linked to the Jewish community, and Jewish speakers have also appeared at the CPAC conference.
"I will continue to fight right by your side"
Trump had sworn to be close to the Republicans at the CPAC.
"I will continue to fight right by your side," he said in his speech on Sunday evening.
Earlier reports about the possible establishment of a party of their own were "fake news".
At the same time, Trump attacked a number of party critics - especially those parliamentarians who had voted against him in the impeachment process.
A candidacy in the 2024 presidential election did not rule out Trump, but it remained vague.
"Actually, they just lost the White House, as you know," Trump said, referring to the Democrats.
"I might even decide to hit her a third time." The audience responded with thunderous applause.
Trump still refuses to admit his defeat to Biden.
He has provided no evidence to support his allegations of fraud.
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