The claim that Democrats are embracing an “assassination culture” targeting former President Donald Trump has circulated in conservative media, but evidence from bipartisan sources and academic studies contradicts this narrative. Here’s an analysis of the situation:
Republican figures, including Sen. JD Vance, have blamed Democratic rhetoric for creating a “dangerous environment” after two apparent assassination attempts against Trump in 2024. These claims intensified when Eric Trump suggested Democratic opponents “tried to kill” his father. However, Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) explicitly rejected these accusations as inaccurate, while urging all candidates to “deescalate” language.
Contrary to claims of Democratic hostility, California Democrats advanced legislation to for political candidates after the Trump assassination attempt. The bill enjoyed bipartisan support, with Republican Orange County DA Todd Spitzer backing it due to personal safety concerns. Gov. Gavin Newsom previously vetoed similar legislation over misuse concerns but faces renewed pressure to sign the 2024 version.
A peer-reviewed study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found:
– Republican support for political violence after the assassination attempt
– MAGA Republicans showed the in endorsing violence
– In-group loyalty increased among Republicans without corresponding hostility toward Democrats
Newsmax’s Chris Plante criticized the Justice Department for “downplaying” security threats against Trump, but his program also highlighted the Reed Irvine Accuracy In Media Award – an honor recognizing factual reporting. While conservative commentators often frame Democratic criticism as incitement, the Biden administration’s Justice Department actively investigated Iranian assassination plots against Trump.
The 2024 attempts mark the first presidential assassination attempts since Ronald Reagan in 1981. Unlike Reagan’s shooting, which unified the country, modern attempts occurred amid record political polarization. However, data shows no surge in public support for violence post-attempt.
This complex landscape defies simplistic “assassination culture” narratives, revealing instead a nation grappling with security needs, heated rhetoric, and unexpected decreases in violent ideologies despite high tensions.
