On Saturday morning, Donald Trump tweeted out a complaint about “Democrat Savages” who he then defined as “people like Nadler, Schiff, AOC Plus 3 and many more.” So, out of 235 Democrats in the House of Representatives, Trump named six as “savages.” Quite a coincidence then that the six he named were four women of color and two Jewish men.
This isn’t a dog whistle or even a bullhorn. It’s simply disgusting. Trump has made it clear that, rain or shine, impeachment or mock “exoneration,” he had one go to move. Racism. Racism in the morning. Racism in the evening. And when racism doesn’t work … add more racism.
Trump calls Democrats in Congress savages. What does he say about Kim Jong Un, who murdered his way to the top and suppresses and starves his own people to stay in power? He’s "very sharp" and a "real leader" according to Trump. And Saudi dictator Mohammed bin Salman may sent a man with a bone saw to carve up a Washington Post journalist and burn his body in a purpose-built oven, but to Trump he’s “a friend of mine” who is “doing a spectacular job.” And of course Vladimir Putin is “great” and “strong” and “smart” and “a real leader.”
Trump’s racism is expressed in his statements. His own genuine savagery is in his choice of friends. And if Trump’s words summon up another El Paso or Tree of Life shooter out to show those savages whose boss … he’ll certainly express his thoughts and prayers. Before setting up his next target.