At a gathering of young, black conservatives, Trump read some pretty words off a piece of paper calling for “unity” and condemning the acts of domestic terrorism perpetrated against his political opponents. A few minutes later, he was right back to his same fear-mongering and hate-inspiring ways.
I would like to begin today’s remarks by providing an update on the packages and devices that have been mailed to high-profile figures throughout our Country, and a media org. I am pleased to inform you that law enforcement has apprehended the suspect and taken him into custody. pic.twitter.com/UFjwjjUkLd
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 26, 2018
At a meeting of the Young Black Leadership Summit, Trump told the crowd that he denounced the domestic terrorist who sent explosive devices and suspicious white powder to Presidents Obama and Clinton, CNN, James Clapper, John Brennan, Robert DeNiro, and Rep. Maxine Waters, among others. A few moments later, at the same event, Trump joined the crowds in chants of “lock ’em up!”
The same morning that Trump said that unity was important in the face of such political discord that would inspire someone to send threating, terrorist bombs to other American citizens, Trump also advanced a theory that the bomb threats were a hoax.
‘Republicans are doing so well in early voting, and at the polls, and now this “bomb” stuff happens and the momentum greatly slows – news not talking politics. Very unfortunate, what is going on. Republicans, go out and vote!’
Republicans are doing so well in early voting, and at the polls, and now this “Bomb” stuff happens and the momentum greatly slows – news not talking politics. Very unfortunate, what is going on. Republicans, go out and vote!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 26, 2018
That same morning, Trump sent more tweets denouncing CNN as “fake news.” His tweet came just hours after the offices of CNN had been evacuated for a second time due to these threats.
Funny how lowly rated CNN, and others, can criticize me at will, even blaming me for the current spate of Bombs and ridiculously comparing this to September 11th and the Oklahoma City bombing, yet when I criticize them they go wild and scream, “it’s just not Presidential!”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 26, 2018
Trump continues to claim that his goal is to “unify” the country, but that’s not possible while also calling your political opponents criminals who are evil and determined to allow immigrants to come and rape your children and kill women. That type of fear-mongering has consequences, and those most dangerous consequences have shown their ugly face over the past three days.
Of all things, Trump actually seemed to take credit for the arrest, bragging that he had “instructed authorities to spare no resources” in this investigation. As of yet, he has not acknowledged his own part in enflaming these acts.
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