Donald Trump’s Rhetoric Is Growing Increasingly Dangerous – Donald Trump is renowned for much, including his bullish rhetoric against anyone who stands in his way.
It’s a strategy he’s used to spin any criticism, not just in politics. His television career saw him front The Apprentice – a show about creating a successful enterprise once hosted by a man who’s seen six of his businesses go bankrupt.
His political career has also seen a mastery in evasion. A four times indicted and twice impeached Trump is leading his Republican rivals by a long distance, and is even beating President Joe Biden who, despite the relentless efforts of GOP lawmakers, is yet to be proven with any wrongdoing.
It Doesn’t Stop There for Donald Trump
In the court of law, Trump has frequently attacked witnesses, prosecutors, judges and even a court clerk in the lead-up to and during his trials. He’s been slammed with two gag orders so far, and federal prosecutors are pushing for similar restrictions in his other trials.
However, in recent weeks, the former president’s rhetoric has turned from damning to dangerous.
Faced with seven trials across the next year – one of which has already started – Trump’s merged his political and legal battles into one. His civil fraud trial is a key example; he’s described the case as part of a politically motivated “witch hunt” against him, and labeled the court clerk as the “girlfriend” of Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer.
It’s no longer “Ron DeSanctimonious” or “Sleepy Joe”. Instead, Trump has called for the execution of former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, and recently accused immigrants of “poisoning the blood of our country.”
Wariness Needed
Trump uses this rhetoric because it builds support. Such horrendous language grabs the headlines of the mainstream media and ensures he remains in the news that day. There’s arguably no such thing as bad publicity, particularly when you know most voters will make their own minds up and not believe everything they see.
That said, Trump’s most loyal supporters have already shown how they can react to his anger: through violence. The then-President told his supporters to “fight like hell” just hours before a portion of them stormed the Capitol. It might not have been his intention, but his words had a devastating effect.
There’s no reason to suggest this won’t happen again. Remember, we’re on trial one of seven, and this one relates to a business empire which he won’t control if elected president anyway. On the trials relating to his actions as a politician, the rhetoric will only ramp up without intervention.
That responsibility relies on the so far, so quiet, President Biden, who’s largely ignored his adversary’s antics to promote his own achievements instead. At some point, he has to condemn Trump – it’s a smart move politically and one which may ensure law and order.
Trump won’t calm himself down. If Biden doesn’t do it, and the courts’ gag orders are ineffective, then who else will?
Shay Bottomley is a British journalist based in Canada. He has written for the Western Standard, Maidenhead Advertiser, Slough Express, Windsor Express, Berkshire Live and Southend Echo, and has covered notable events including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
