The Weaponization of Words: An Opinion
Written by: Carter Herman
On Sunday, September 15th, an assassination attempt was made on former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who is actively mounting a comeback campaign for the presidency. While the details of this second assassination attempt remain undisclosed, it comes as no surprise given the confusion surrounding the first attempt three months prior, carried out by Thomas Matthew Crooks. Crooks, a deeply troubled individual, has come to represent a growing issue: the rise of politically motivated violence aimed at conservative figures. Now, with this second attempt, it has been confirmed that the shooter, despite having voted for Trump in 2016, harbored a deep and personal hatred for him. This drastic shift in sentiment raises an important question: How has this extreme animosity for Trump taken hold, and why has it become so prevalent in recent years?
While opinions about Trump may vary, one thing remains clear—violence has no place in American politics. No matter how polarizing Trump may be, the idea of attempting to assassinate a former president not once but twice is both abhorrent and indefensible, yet many people have trouble immediately condemning said actions. Unfortunately, this surge in violence against conservatives is not an isolated phenomenon. The 2017 shooting of former House Majority Whip Steve Scalise at a Congressional baseball game is another clear example of the escalating violence that is disproportionately targeting Republicans. This disturbing trend poses a significant threat to the very foundations of our representative republic.
One of the key drivers of this rise in political violence is the media’s relentless vilification of Trump and conservatives alike. The 24-hour news cycle, driven by sensationalism, has fanned the flames of division and stoked public anger, especially toward Trump. The media’s portrayal of Trump has frequently crossed the line from reasonable critique to overt demonization. Even manipulating clips or using artificial intelligence to deceive the public of things Trump says. While political opponents are always scrutinized, the treatment of Trump has been especially hostile. The blurring of fact and opinion by the mainstream media has created an environment where hyperbole and outrage overshadow meaningful discourse, painting Trump as an existential threat rather than a political rival.
While Trump’s claim of winning the 2020 election was proven false, it is not unreasonable for Americans to question last-minute changes to voting procedures—an issue that the media conveniently dismisses. Instead of fostering a fair discussion, the media's unrelenting attacks on Trump have contributed to an atmosphere where extreme actions, such as assassination attempts, seem rational to some individuals. The media has played a significant role in legitimizing violence against people in the political spectacle.
Americans, especially those who value civil discourse, must take a step back and consider how rhetoric shapes political behavior. Words matter, and the media’s extreme language surrounding Trump and all political figures has undoubtedly contributed to the rise of dangerous behavior. As a nation, we must recognize that irresponsible and inflammatory language can lead to real-world consequences. Rather than perpetuate this toxic cycle of division, it is critical that we return to a path of civil debate—one where disagreements are resolved through discussion, not violence.
The time has come for a national reflection on how we discuss our leaders and how the media covers them. Trump may be a polarizing figure, but the rhetoric surrounding him has reached a dangerous level of hostility. If this trend continues, we risk normalizing violence as part of the political process, something that our Founding Fathers aimed to eliminate as it has no place in the West. America’s strength lies in its commitment to peaceful debate and Western principles. Reclaiming that tradition is not just virtuous—it is vital to the survival of our republic.
