Political violence is becoming the norm in the US. It was always there — from the Burr-Hamilton duel to Huey Long to Abraham, Martin, and John — but it’s getting worse and Trump is deliberately feeding it. When Melissa Hortman and her husband were assassinated in an openly political act of violence, Trump (or his press office) did issue a statement saying violence will not be tolerated (though he didn’t say anything when Sen. Lee and others made baseless claims that the gunman was a leftist), but he not only couldn’t be bothered to attend the funeral (unlike Joe Biden and Kamala Harris), he didn’t even send a note. Trump Ignores Funeral Service for Victims of MAGA Madman:
The president, however, was not there. Trump didn’t issue a statement about the funeral, either. The White House did not immediately return a request for comment on his absence.
Then, on the day before America’s Independence Day, the mad king poured gasoline on the fire:
Trump Kicks Off Celebration of America by Declaring His Hatred for Democrats
Taking to the lectern behind thick bulletproof glass in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, Trump immediately started firing off political potshots. “They wouldn’t vote only because they hate Trump, but I hate them, too, you know?” Trump said, referring to Democrats who voted against his “Big Beautiful Bill,” which the House sent to the president’s desk after a tight vote.
“I really do. I hate them. I cannot stand them, because I really believe they hate our country.”
There it is. An invitation to start shooting.
