Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton intensified her criticism of former President Donald Trump during an interview on The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC, citing Trump’s politics of “hate and division” as a danger to the security of the United States. Clinton’s comments came just days after a second assassination attempt on Trump, which she described as a “terrible thing” that underscored the rising threat of political violence.
At a glance:
- Hillary Clinton condemned Trump’s political rhetoric, stating that it endangers U.S. security and global stability.
- Clinton’s comments came after the second assassination attempt on Trump, which occurred at a golf course in Florida.
- Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) and Trump himself also warned of the risks associated with divisive political rhetoric.
Clinton, who has been vocal in her opposition to Trump, said she was hopeful that Americans would reject what she called Trump’s “politics of hate and division.” In the September 18, 2024, interview, Clinton expressed optimism that voters would not support Trump in the 2024 election, citing the potential dangers of his return to power. “We can’t go back,” Clinton said, adding that Trump has “disqualified himself over and over” from running for the presidency.
Clinton also criticized the media for not maintaining a “consistent narrative” about the dangers posed by Trump. She argued that the press should focus on his “demagoguery” and the threat he represents to both the country and the world, rather than jumping from one controversy to the next.
The most recent assassination attempt occurred on September 15, 2024, when a man, Ryan Wesley Routh, allegedly pointed an “AK-47-style weapon” towards a golf course where Trump was playing. Secret Service agents quickly intervened, firing at the suspect, who was later apprehended in a vehicle resembling one seen fleeing the scene. No shots were fired at Trump, and he was unharmed during the incident. This follows an earlier attempt on Trump’s life in July, when a gunman shot him in the ear during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
In response to the assassination attempts, Clinton reiterated her concern over the increasing use of violence in political campaigns. “It’s frightening to see violence being threatened and used in a political campaign,” she said during a separate interview with Katie Couric.
Sen. J.D. Vance, Trump’s running mate, also called for calmer political rhetoric following the second assassination attempt. In a statement posted on X, Vance warned that inflammatory language could have dangerous consequences, citing how past rhetoric almost resulted in the death of Congressman Steve Scalise and other Republicans. Vance specifically mentioned Vice President Kamala Harris’s use of the phrase “Democracy is on the line,” which he claimed motivated the shooter. The suspect in the latest incident had a Harris bumper sticker on his vehicle.
Trump echoed Vance’s concerns in a Fox News interview, asserting that the aggressive rhetoric from his political opponents had put his life in danger. “Their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at when I am the one who is going to save the country,” Trump said.
The Secret Service has been under scrutiny following the attacks. After the first attempt on Trump’s life in July, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned amid criticism of the agency’s handling of the situation. President Joe Biden recently urged Congress to increase funding for the Secret Service to enhance the protection of high-profile individuals, including former presidents.
Despite the attempts on his life, Trump has continued to campaign, arguing that he alone can “save the country” from what he perceives as the destruction wrought by both internal and external forces.
