DNC Distorts Trump’s Remarks, Falsely Claims Threat of Violence
On March 16, Donald Trump stated:
“China now is building a couple of massive plants where they’re going to build the cars in Mexico and think, they think that they’re going to sell those cars into the United States with no tax at the border. Let me tell you something to China, if you’re listening, President Xi, and you and I are friends, but he understands the way I deal, those big monster car manufacturing plants that you’re building in Mexico right now, and you think you’re going to get that, you’re going to not hire Americans and you’re going to sell the cars to us. Now, we’re going to put a 100% tariff on every single car that comes across the line, and you’re not going to be able to sell those cars, if I get elected. Now, if I don’t get elected, it’s going to be a bloodbath for the whole… That’s going to be the least of it. It’s going to be a bloodbath for the country. That’ll be the least of it. But they’re not going to sell those cars..”
Afterward, the Democratic National Committee released a statement arguing “The RNC’s attempt to fundraise off of Donald Trump’s threats of political violence while promoting Trump’s hateful and divisive fearmongering is a shameful new low for a committee that has repeatedly hit rock bottom only to sink further into toxic MAGA extremism that is driving away voters – and donors – ahead of November.” Joe Biden tweeted “you can’t be pro-insurrection and pro-America” in condemnation, and various outlets including The New York Times, The Nation and Forbes expressed concerns regarding Trump inciting political violence.
However, an acceptable definition of bloodbath is “an economic disaster,” according to Merriam-Webster. “If you actually watch and listen to the section, he was talking about the auto industry and tariffs,” explains a Trump campaign representative to the Washington Post. Mainstream organizations like FactCheck.Org note that his “explanation seems the most plausible, given the context of Trump’s comments.” Allegedly after the remarks, reports also surfaced that Google changed the top result for “bloodbath definition” seemingly in response to Trump’s comment, ostensibly supporting the notion Trump’s comments will catalyze violence.
On April 2, Trump accused Biden of inciting a bloodbath at the border, and the New York Times reports “Mr. Trump’s campaign appears to be trying to turn “blood bath” into a catchphrase, essentially trolling his critics and shifting the focus to Mr. Biden.” While critics may claim the colloquial use of the term incites violence, a number of democratic politicians have made similar claims without criticisms regarding threats to democracy or national security.
Read More:
