Title: Trump's Powerful Words and Real-world Implications
Michael D'Antonio, in his upcoming book, Axios, reports that former Defense Secretary Mark Esper has confirmed Wall Street Journal's claims. Esper also shares compelling evidence, as per Axios, indicating ex-President Trump's sole focus on utilizing violence to serve his agenda.
Esper confessed his refusal to pressure the military to pursue such a plan, arguing it was an easy call not to push the issue. Likewise, Esper declined advocating for military suppression of protests, contradicting the Insurrection Act of 1807.
Is Esper's account of Trump's actions surprising? Trump referred to protesters in Minnesota 2020 as "thugs" and issued a warning on Twitter: "When looting starts, shooting starts." Recalling past occurrences, this mirrors the words of a former Miami Police Chief during the 1967 riots, who also used similar words earlier.
Trump's rhetoric concerning violence in a political context first appeared when he boasted: "I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn't lose any voters." He even alluded to the prospect of violence if Hillary Clinton had won, predicting her appointees would likely face retaliation from "second amendment people."
Moreover, Trump blatantly endorsed and encouraged violence beyond gunplay contexts. He urged supporters to "beat the crap out" of anyone they thought was throwing a tomato at them. He also expressed desire to retaliate against a protestor removed from one of his rallies, saying: "I want to punch him in the face."
Post-protest in St. Louis, Trump complained: "Nobody wants to beat each other up anymore." Despite being a candidate, Trump displayed no regret regarding alleged violence committed in his name. Two men in 2015 were caught brutally assaulting a homeless Mexican man. Trump initially condemned the incident as a "disgrace," eventually placing blame on his supporters before labeling the violence as "incredibly unfair."
Many speculate the White House would not soften its stance following Trump's 2016 election victory.
Several sources claim Trump, while in office, pondered if he could shoot asylum-seekers at the US-Mexico border to deter entry into the country. He flippantly advised police to not be "too nice" to suspects and implied violent tactics. Trump praised a Congressman who assaulted a reporter and, throughout his presidency, expressed admiration for violent dictators.
Why would Trump encourage such actions? Possible reasons include an unquenchable thirst for being perceived as a warrior or a tough leader, as well as a fascination with attention-seeking behaviors.
Trump's attraction to violence is not unlikely, given his self-awareness and preference for public attention. In an interview for his biography, he admitted "I've always loved fighting, any kind of fighting, even physical fights," but failed to provide concrete examples. Journalists theorize over-the-top rhetoric may be a way for Trump to communicate with and engage his followers, presenting himself as a "warrior," a "tough guy," even a "tyrant."
Such a notion suggests Trump may intentionally seek to associate with violence for the sake of appearing as a warrior or an aggressive leader and seeking public attention. It's also plausible his behavior has real-world effects, as evident in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. As Esper and Bender point out, these words have the ability to instigate dangerous situations, potentially serving as a catalyst for the incitement of violence.
(Enrichment Data Incorporated)
Trump's rhetoric of violence had profound impacts on political happenings during his presidency. His incitement of violence culminated in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, demonstrating his willingness to overthrow democracy for personal gain [1].
Trump's speeches often featured violent metaphors and dehumanizing language, which facilitated an increase in politically-motivated violence. Reportedly, violence directed at individuals increased during the Trump era, with most perpetrators hailing from the extreme right [1].
Trump's language normalized extremism, particularly among groups like Q-Anon and far-right militia movements, leading to further political violence [1]. Granting clemency to January 6 rioters, including Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, encouraged future political violence and undermined democratic norms [1].
Threats and harassment against election workers also surged, following Trump's false claims of a stolen 2020 election. Reuters reported over 2,000 threats against election workers; some facing charges [1].
Trump's dehumanizing rhetoric towards immigrant and minority groups cast them as threats to security or the economy, seasoned with violent undertones. Trump's use of racial stereotypes and anti-immigrant nativist fearmongering further aggravated division within the country [1].
Attacks on the free press and judiciary, coupled with dictatorial tendencies, witnessed a drastic assault on democratic norms and institutions. Months after taking office, Trump ominously mentioned terminating the Constitution and revoking security clearances, evidence of his authoritarian instincts [2].
These impacts collectively demonstrate how Trump's use of violent language and encouragement of violence fostered a climate of division, hatred, and democratic erosion throughout his presidency.
