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From the start of his political career, Donald Trump has used violent and inflammatory rhetoric, inciting anger, division, and sometimes physical aggression.
Beginning with his 2015 campaign announcement, where he labeled Mexican immigrants as “rapists,” to his presidency marked by attacks on political opponents, the media, and Black Lives Matter, Trump’s words have often been provocative and dangerous.
This timeline underscores key moments of escalating discord, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and ultimately influencing an assassination attempt in 2024, highlighting the enduring and dangerous influence of his rhetoric on the political landscape.
2015-2016: Presidential Campaign Rhetoric
- June 2015: During his campaign announcement, Trump labeled Mexican immigrants as “rapists” and criminals.
- August 2015: Suggested in a rally that a protester might deserve to be “roughed up.”
- November 2015: At a rally in Birmingham, Alabama, Trump said about a protester, “Maybe he should have been roughed up.”
- February 2016: Told supporters at a Las Vegas rally to “knock the crap out of” anyone planning to throw tomatoes, promising to pay their legal fees.
- March 2016: Encouraged supporters at a rally to “knock the hell” out of protesters, again promising to pay their legal fees.
- March 2016: In Iowa, Trump said he would pay legal fees for supporters if they got in trouble for removing protesters, adding, “I’d like to punch him in the face, I’ll tell you.”
- March 2016: A supporter punched a protester at a rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Trump remarked that he might pay the legal fees for the supporter.
- August 2016: Suggested “Second Amendment people” could stop Hillary Clinton from appointing Supreme Court judges.
- October 2016: In Miami, Trump told supporters to “beat the crap” out of anyone they saw about to throw a tomato.
2017-2021: Presidency
- January 2017: Trump referred to the media as “the enemy of the people,” a phrase that he would repeatedly use throughout his presidency.
- August 2017: During a rally in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump warned that he would “shut down” the government over border wall funding.
- June 2018: In response to criticism, Trump tweeted, “If you see anybody from that Cabinet in a restaurant, in a department store, at a gasoline station, you get out and you create a crowd. You push back on them. Tell them they’re not welcome anymore, anywhere.”
- November 2018: Trump praised Rep. Greg Gianforte for body-slamming a reporter, saying, “Any guy that can do a body slam, he’s my kind of guy.”
- July 2019: Trump told four Democratic congresswomen of color to “go back” to their countries despite all being U.S. citizens.
- October 2019: Trump tweeted a warning that if he were impeached, it could lead to a “civil war-like fracture.”
2020: Election and Post-Election Rhetoric
- June 2020: In response to Black Lives Matter protests, Trump tweeted, “when the looting starts, the shooting starts.”
- August 2020: Told supporters at a rally in North Carolina to vote twice to test the election system’s security.
- August 2020: Trump expressed sympathy for Kyle Rittenhouse, who was charged with killing two people during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, suggesting he might have been acting in self-defense.
- September 2020: Trump refused to say he would ensure a peaceful transfer of power if he lost the election and suggested getting rid of ballots to avoid a transfer.
- October 2020: During the first presidential debate, Trump told the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by,” which was interpreted as a boost for the group.
- November 2020: After the election, Trump repeatedly claimed the election was stolen, inciting anger and distrust among his supporters.
- December 2020: In a call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Trump suggested Raffensperger could face criminal consequences if he didn’t “find” enough votes to overturn the election.
2021: January 6 Capitol Attack
- January 6, 2021: At a rally before the Capitol attack, Trump told supporters to “fight like hell” and march to the Capitol, leading to the violent insurrection. Despite the violence, he told the rioters, “We love you. You’re very special.”
Post-Presidency
- March 2021: Trump continued to promote false claims about the 2020 election being stolen.
- October 2021: Trump endorsed political candidates who supported the events of January 6 and perpetuated claims of election fraud.
2024: Assassination Attempt
- In July 2024, after narrowly escaping an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump raised his fist and shouted, “Fight! Fight! Fight!” to a crowd of rally attendees and media.
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Donald Trump’s incendiary language has profoundly impacted American politics, often stoking division and inciting violence. This influence was starkly highlighted in July 2024 when he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, subsequently urging the crowd to “Fight! Fight! Fight!” As the nation grapples with the fallout from his rhetoric, its effects on political discourse and social cohesion continue to reverberate, underscoring his enduring influence on the public sphere.
The article is excellent. Well researched.
Trump wants to live the mobster life of a, “the big man”. With that comes risks.
The Republicans provided the legislative authority for assault weapons.
Now I find the call for “ unity “ a joke. And the audacity of republicans calling on the name of Jesus. I am surprised at their hurt and fear.
Mr Trump May give up his fantasy of thug life now that he realizes words and chants having consequences. End
cv ksa: I love the clarity and detail in your analysis—well done!