As politicians are beginning their campaign trails, former President Donald Trump decided on an explosive beginning as he rallied in Waco, Texas. Not only was his rally on the same day as the 30th anniversary of the Branch Davidian standoff, an event that eventually led to the death of about 80 people, but his tone the entire time was one of revenge and retribution.
Currently, there are multiple investigations against Trump. One of the investigations is associated with his role in inciting the storming of the U.S. Capitol in 2021. Obviously, he is proud of his involvement, as he started off his rally with a choir of men who had been imprisoned for their roles in the insurrection singing the national anthem.
The best way I can describe his rally in Waco is with two words: temper tantrum.
Another active investigation surrounds his alleged payment of hush money, supposedly using illegally-obtained funds, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in an attempt to conceal an affair. During his rally, he outright denied the claims. However, to take it one step further, on his social media platform, Truth Social, he posted a warning that there would be “potential death & destruction in such a false charge.” And even further, during his rally, his campaign team supplied supporters with signs stating “Witch Hunt” alongside his claim that these investigations are merely to defame him before the election.
On a separate note, during his rally, he mentioned that he gets along with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in the midst of the devastating war in Ukraine. He refers to the war after mentioning his fondness for Putin by saying, “He wanted to get a piece… Now it looks like he’ll probably end up getting the whole thing.” Such a lax way of discussing a war where people are being denied their individuality and children are being trained as soldiers makes one wonder what goes on inside his head.
All of this has led people to wonder about a surge in domestic terrorism. Honestly, with the domestic terrorism he has sparked before, I would not be surprised if more ensued under his provocation. The best way I can describe his rally in Waco is with two words: temper tantrum.
He has exhibited multiple tantrums during his time in the political light. When President Joe Biden won the election in 2020, Trump went on a rant alleging election fraud. Going back even further, in 2016, he claimed repeatedly that former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton only won the popular vote because of illegal votes.
Just a few days ago, he was indicted for the incident involving the hush money paid to Daniels. This is the first instance in American history where a former president faces criminal charges. While this is a step up as we see his crime actually being recognized, it is a little confusing that this is the case that calls for indictment as opposed to his involvement with the storming of the Capitol. It can also spark some anxiety as people wonder what’s in store, especially after Trump’s posted threat. What is the potential death and destruction he speaks of? Will this spark another riot?
It is uncertain as of right now, and unfortunately expected. If losing the presidency was enough for the Capitol to be stormed, I can only imagine how his supporters will react to this new development. The best thing to do now is hope for decency from Trump and his supporters as this situation runs its course, no matter how unlikely that may be.
pbortner@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore
