Violent Rhetoric and the Trump Legacy

In the wake of the foiled assassination attempt on former President Trump, ABC News' George Stephanopoulos points to the former president's inflammatory language as a contributing factor to the nation's climate of violence.

Former President Trump's divisive rhetoric and that of his supporters have played a significant role in fostering a national climate of violence, according to veteran ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos. In the aftermath of the failed attempt to assassinate Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Stephanopoulos highlighted the inflammatory statements made by both Trump and his supporters, suggesting that they have contributed to the escalation of tensions in the country.

"Of course, President Trump and his supporters have contributed to this violent rhetoric as well," Stephanopoulos stated on ABC's "This Week."

Violent Rhetoric and the Trump Legacy

Martha Raddatz, Stephanopoulos' co-anchor, echoed his concerns. "We were just looking back this morning at some of the things President Trump has said," she remarked. "He warned last March of potential death and destruction if he were charged by the Manhattan district attorney, 'our country is being destroyed as they tell us to be peaceful.'"

Raddatz also cited Trump's warning in January of "bedlam in the country" if criminal charges against him succeeded, and his March comment that "If I don’t get elected… it’s going to be a bloodbath for the country."

Violent Rhetoric and the Trump Legacy

Trump has attempted to dismiss the "bloodbath" quote as a joke taken out of context, claiming he was referring to economic woes rather than violence. However, Raddatz emphasized, "But those are indeed his words."

Stephanopoulos went on to note that Trump's supporters have also used similar rhetoric, quickly invoking the January 6 Capitol riot. "Let's remember January 6," Raddatz said.

Violent Rhetoric and the Trump Legacy

The assassination attempt on Trump resulted in the death of one rally attendee and critical injuries to two others. The alleged assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was a 20-year-old registered Republican who had made a $15 donation to a Democrat-supporting political action committee.

Stephanopoulos' comments sparked a reaction from ABC News, which released a statement clarifying that his remarks represented his personal viewpoint and not the position of the network.

Violent Rhetoric and the Trump Legacy

The assassination attempt and the ensuing discussions about the role of political rhetoric have brought to the forefront the concerns about the growing polarization and violence in the United States. As the country grapples with the legacy of Trump's presidency and the challenges of bridging political divides, the question of how to address the toxic atmosphere remains unanswered.