Sure, President Donald Trump is no stranger to threatening his political enemies, but his recent posts on Truth Social have everyone sounding the alarm. Trump has called for Democrats to be put to death for “seditious behavior” — a first for any U.S. president in modern history — and Black Americans online are seriously concerned.
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“Crucial insight. This should be a lesson that touches on the danger of language,” @SmindCrypto said on X. “What may begin as political performance often establishes dangerous precedents for governing.”
Trump first wrote “Their words cannot be allowed to stand,” on Truth Social adding, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP??? President DJT.” Then– to hammer his point– the president added, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” and reposted a user who wrote, “HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD.”
To be expected, Trump’s words were scary for many of his opponents. “This is abhorrent and terrifying to see this man advocating the killing of duly elected Representatives who faithfully served and defended their nation,” Tenn Rep. Justin J. Pearson said. “This is unbelievable, unconscionable , and real life.”
President Trump has since denied making any real threats to his political opponent, but given his history– you know, inciting the attack on the Capitol and continuously prosecuting his enemies while freeing his supporters– folks on X aren’t inclined to believe him.
“Can someone make the arrest already.. I’m sick of this s**t,” @MidnightMonaye said.
@NickFolarin theorized that “Trump is going out his way to do terrible things just to see how far some Republicans will go to support him. Just this week, he caught a reporter ‘piggy’, signed the bill for the Epstein files to be released, knowing his name is in there and now this.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called Trump out. “This is an outright threat, and it’s deadly serious,” he said on the Senate floor. “When Donald Trump uses the language of execution and treason, some of his supporters may very well listen,” he continued. “He is lighting a match in a country soaked with political gasoline.”
“For somebody that is supposed to expect his name to be redacted from the Epstein files, he’s definitely not reacting like that’s going to happen,” @malcchiavelli said.
Folks online pointed of the irony of Republicans like Trump accusing Democrats of inciting political violence all while calling for the deaths of others. @damon623 wrote, “But you storm congress and get to walk free?? This country some days…”
@chemxbeats tweeted, “What a day to be alive right now.”
Even the NAACP’s official X page chimed in. “To everyone who tried to explain: ‘Proudboys stand back and standby,’ ‘Very fine people on both sides’ (Charlottesville) ‘I could shoot someone, and I wouldn’t lose a vote,’” the organization said referring to Trump’s past statements. “Now this!?! Come out and give Americans an explanation as to why the President of the United States would ever offer this? He belongs UNDER THE JAIL!”
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