From Words to Bloodshed: The Deadly Cost of Trump’s Rhetoric, Stand for Decency

We write with grave concern. Political violence and the rhetoric that fuels it have escalated to dangerous levels under Trump’s second term. From January 6 to El Paso, we’ve seen the deadly impact of Trump’s words. On January 6, 2021, a mob attacked the U.S. Capitol, believing Trump’s lie that the election had been stolen. As Republican Liz Cheney said, they “were motivated by what President Trump had told them… [he] summoned the mob… and lit the flame of this attack.” That day left people dead and police bloodied. In 2019, a gunman in El Paso slaughtered 23 people at a Walmart after telling his lawyer he believed he was “acting at the direction of President Donald Trump,” trying to stop a supposed immigrant “invasion.” Again and again, extremists have cited Trump’s words when justifying threats or attacks. Today, Trump’s language is even more extreme. In November 2025, six Democratic lawmakers who are military veterans released a video reminding service members of their legal obligation to refuse illegal orders. Trump’s response was chilling. He posted on Truth Social that these lawmakers committed “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH” and should be “ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL.” He reposted messages from other users saying “HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD.” These lawmakers included Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, both veterans who had simply restated existing military law. Legal experts confirmed the video contained no seditious behavior whatsoever. Yet Trump’s words triggered immediate death threats. Senator Slotkin reported needing 24/7 security at her home within hours. Even Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called Trump’s remarks “over the top.” Days later, after a shooting near the White House by one Afghan national, Trump used Thanksgiving to announce he would “permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries” and demanded what he called “reverse migration.” He posted that anyone “not compatible with Western Civilization” should be removed, and concluded with “HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL, except those that hate, steal, murder, and destroy everything that America stands for.” When a reporter asked if he blamed all Afghans for one person’s actions, Trump said, “No, but we’ve had a lot of problems with Afghans.” He called immigrants “savage monsters” and said of immigration seekers broadly, “For the most part, we don’t want them.” This dehumanizing rhetoric, as historians have documented, mirrors the language used by authoritarian leaders to prepare populations to accept or commit violence. Trump has also called Democrats “the party of hate, evil, and Satan” and labeled protesters as “animals” and “enemies.” He’s threatened to arrest California Governor Gavin Newsom and other political rivals. Analysts warn that this kind of language paves the road to political violence. When a president calls fellow Americans enemies and traitors deserving death, some followers hear permission to strike. And when Trump praises and pardons January 6 criminals, it sends a chilling message: political violence will not only be excused, it will be rewarded. This emboldens those willing to act violently on his behalf, believing they’ll face no consequences. We implore you to act now to stop this dangerous cycle. Condemn, unequivocally, the use of violent rhetoric in our politics. Consider a bipartisan resolution declaring that political disputes must never be settled with intimidation or bloodshed. Just as critically, speak out publicly. Make it clear that incitement and hate have no place in American democracy. This is not about left or right. It is about right and wrong. Americans across the spectrum are horrified. They look to you for moral leadership. Silence is complicity. A united stand against hate-fueled violence will reassure the majority who reject extremism and help isolate those who would do harm. Every day of official silence invites more tragedy. For the sake of our nation’s safety and soul, please show the courage to confront this threat. Denounce the rhetoric that kills, and help restore our tradition of peaceful, respectful debate.