Threats of violence

“Trump does not dismiss the possibility of political violence around the election. ‘If we don’t win, you know, it depends,’ he tells TIME Magazine. ‘It always depends on the fairness of the election.’” He continues to promise pardons for violent January 6 rioters – who he calls “hostages” and “patriots.”  

Donald Trump has repeatedly used rhetoric that implies or threatens violence as a political tactic throughout his political career. This approach has been a consistent part of his public persona and campaign strategy:

1. Trump has often used aggressive language that suggests  violence against political opponents. For example, he has shared imagery depicting violence against President Biden, such as an image showing Biden hog-tied on a pickup truck gate.
2. He has frequently employed rhetoric that dehumanizes immigrants and minorities, which critics argue could incite violence against these groups.
3. Trump has praised acts of physical aggression against  journalists. In one instance, he commended a congressman who had physically assaulted a reporter, stating "Any guy who can do a bodyslam, he's my kinda guy".
4. His campaign rallies have been known to feature chants like "Lock her up!" directed at political opponents, which some view as implicit threats.
5. Trump has been accused of using violent rhetoric to intimidate judges and prosecutors involved in cases against him. He has made personal attacks on judges and their families, which legal experts consider highly disrespectful and potentially dangerous.
6. In the lead-up to the 2020 election and its aftermath, Trump's rhetoric was seen by many as encouraging political violence. He has consistently framed himself as a victim of persecution, which resonates with his base but also potentially undermines faith in democratic institutions.
7. Trump's language often carries an undercurrent of implied violence, which has been described as an essential part of his "strongman persona".

While Trump and his supporters often justify this rhetoric as a response to perceived political persecution, critics argue that it poses significant risks to democratic norms and the rule of law. It's important to note that Trump has also occasionally condemned political violence, such as when he stated that "any acts or threats of political violence are an attack on democracy itself" in response to explosive devices sent to political figures in 2018.