Former President Donald Trump is making headlines with inflammatory language reminiscent of mid-twentieth century authoritarians. Echoing the anti-immigrant rhetoric that propelled his first presidential bid in 2015, Mr. Trump is doubling down on the despotism that marked his norm-violating term in office.
Speaking on Veteran’s Day, Mr. Trump described his political opponents as “vermin” who must be “rooted out.” More recently, the twice-impeached former president told supporters that immigrants are “poisoning the blood” of American society.
For some, it seems, Trump’s speech is unremarkable. Others express grave concern over his use of fascist tropes. The very real and present danger Trump represents is all the more troubling when we consider the acquiescence of Republican leaders in the face of such threats to the republic – and the rule of law.
There’s Trump and then there’s Trumpism. As a public service ahead of the GOP primary season, the following sound bites offer a glimpse of the mindset of Trump’s enablers and fellow travelers. They are warning signs of the brazen pursuit of political power that recklessly puts party over country.
10. “I am trying to bring some sanity to Washington, DC. And they all think I’m crazy, but I kind of think they are.” Matt Gaetz (R-FL) says the quiet part out loud at Trump rally in Cedar Rapids, December 18.
9. Airing previously unseen footage of Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection, former Fox News host, Tucker Carlson, describes Trump’s failed coup attempt as “mostly peaceful chaos,” March 6.
8. “Why would I want to stay here? To hell with this place.” Expelled former NY Congressman and serial fabricator, George Santos, bids farewell to the House of Representatives, December 1.
7. Convicted felon and former Trump attorney, Jenna Ellis, comes clean in the Georgia election interference case: “If I knew then what I know now, I would have declined to represent Donald Trump in these post-election challenges. I’ll look back on this experience with deep remorse,” October 24.
6. Furious that a rival network called the 2020 election for Joe Biden before Fox News did, semi-retired News Corp CEO Rupert Murdoch wrote to a colleague: “CNN declares and FOX coming in minutes … Just for the hell of it still praying for AZ to prove them wrong!” March 8.
5. “This is probably a personality defect, but I tend to like people who like me.” In a rare self-reflective moment, the twice-impeached former president, Donald J. Trump, returns the favor for his number one sycophant on the 2024 campaign trail, Vivek Ramaswamy, December 17.
4. “Bring it on!” Former House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, challenges MAGA extremists to remove him from office. Days later, the House ousted McCarthy from the speakership, October 2.
3. Melania’s Choice for Trump’s 2024 running mate, the aforementioned Tucker Carlson, said of the former president, “I hate him passionately,” March 8.
2. “Anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution … should never be president again.” Former US Vice President Mike Pence condemns his boss, Donald Trump, during Pence’s 2024 election campaign launch, June 7.
1. “Checks and balances won’t stop him.” Former Wyoming congressional representative and Chair of the House Republican Conference, Liz Cheney, issues a dire warning for the future of the republic in a widely circulated, but largely unheeded, Wall Street Journal op-ed, December 13.
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CONSTITUENT NOTES 