Republicans in the US have begun using the assassination that occurred during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner as part of their election campaign, accusing the Democratic Party of inciting political violence through what they call “dangerous and inflammatory rhetoric” against the president.
Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters called the incident “the inevitable result of a radicalized left that has normalized political violence.” Other Republicans on social media have also accused Democratic candidates in key midterm election states like Michigan and North Carolina of stoking political tensions in the country. This rhetoric has been echoed in the wake of previous assassination attempts on Donald Trump and the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Republicans are increasingly putting security at the center of the political debate, seeking to break a 73-day impasse in Congress over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which is also tied to a row over immigration policy.
After dinner at the Washington Hilton, where he had initially praised the atmosphere and unity, Trump returned with a harsher tone, accusing Democrats of “hate speech” that, according to him, poses a danger to the country. He also reacted to a television interview in which parts of the suspected perpetrator of the assassination were read, calling the media coverage “disgraceful.”
In this tense climate, Melania Trump also reacted sharply to comedian Jimmy Kimmel, accusing him of offensive language and inciting political division in the country. Meanwhile, the White House has reinforced the narrative that the president and his supporters are facing a “systematic demonization” by parts of the media and Democratic politics. Spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt has stated that such rhetoric “feeds violent behavior” and increases the risk of similar incidents.
On the other hand, Democrats have condemned political violence and opposed efforts to attribute responsibility to them, emphasizing support for security services and a willingness to approve funding for the Department of Homeland Security, with certain exceptions for immigration agencies.
Overall, the latest assassination is being used as a new flashpoint in the already polarized political climate in the US, deepening the debate over political language, security and public responsibility in the run-up to the upcoming elections. (Corriere della Sera)