The heated rhetoric from Joe Biden and Kamala Harris against Donald Trump is no longer just political posturing; it is being widely criticized for encouraging violence against him and his supporters. Since taking office, Biden and Harris have repeatedly referred to Trump as a “threat to democracy,” a label that has now been linked to real-life attempts on Trump’s life.
The former president himself has pointed out that the relentless demonization from the White House has emboldened extremists to take action. Trump and his supporters have faced increased hostility, and many believe the inflammatory language coming from the highest levels of government is at the heart of this dangerous trend.
Last weekend, Trump had to be rushed off a golf course in West Palm Beach after a gunman was found hiding in the bushes. It wasn’t the first time Trump has been targeted. In a press briefing following the latest attempt, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was pressed on whether the administration’s rhetoric could be fueling these attacks.
When Fox News’ Peter Doocy questioned how many more assassination attempts would occur before the White House reconsidered calling Trump a “threat,” Jean-Pierre dismissed the premise of the question, calling it “incredibly dangerous” and doubling down on the administration’s stance.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was skewered online for defending the administration’s rhetoric about former President Trump following the latest assassination attempt against him…
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Fox News senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy asked Jean-Pierre, “How many more assassination attempts on Donald Trump until the president and vice president and you pick a different word to describe Trump, other than ‘threat?’”
Jean-Pierre told Doocy she completely disagreed with the premise of his question, calling the way he asked it “incredibly dangerous” because Americans are watching. [Source: Fox News]
Jean-Pierre’s response did not sit well with many commentators and lawmakers. Social media erupted in criticism, accusing the press secretary and the administration of fueling violence while refusing to take responsibility. Ben Domenech, editor-at-large of The Spectator, slammed Jean-Pierre’s defense, calling it “utterly heinous.” Many echoed his sentiment, warning that deflecting blame back onto those who question the administration’s language is not only irresponsible but dangerous.
Jean-Pierre’s refusal to change course and her dismissal of the concerns as “dangerous” was seen by many as gaslighting. Conservative podcaster Tim Young pointed out that Jean-Pierre’s tactic was to flip the narrative, making Doocy’s question appear as the problem, rather than addressing the serious issue of violent rhetoric.
Young didn’t mince words when he called the press secretary’s response an insult to the intelligence of the American public, warning that the administration seems intent on continuing to demonize Trump and his supporters.
The outrage extended beyond pundits, with Republican lawmakers also weighing in. Wisconsin Representative Derrick Van Orden accused the Democrats of running a campaign based on fear and division, unable to run on their policy achievements. He called their strategy “disgraceful” and suggested it was bordering on conspiracy at this point.
National security adviser to Senator Ted Cruz, Omri Ceren, also piled on, labeling Jean-Pierre’s performance as “studiously mediocre,” while others warned that such narratives would only incite more violence.
The White House’s refusal to step back from its aggressive stance has fueled further speculation about their role in escalating tensions. Instead of acknowledging the dangers of such rhetoric, Jean-Pierre, backed by Biden and Harris, continues to paint Trump as a threat, invoking events like the January 6 Capitol riots as justification.
Meanwhile, questions about the administration’s accountability go unanswered, leaving many wondering just how far the divisive language will go before more lives are put at risk.
In the end, it seems clear that Biden, Harris, and their team are intent on keeping up the narrative that Trump and his supporters are a danger to democracy. But with real threats against Trump’s life becoming more frequent, their rhetoric is being seen as part of the problem, not the solution.
Trump, however, remains undeterred, pressing on with his campaign while the Biden administration scrambles to defend its words. For many Americans, it’s not Trump who poses the threat—it’s the political climate fueled by the administration’s reckless language.
Author: Kit Fargo
