The profound implications of Trump's divisive rhetoric

Donald Trump's extreme rhetoric is reminiscent of Nazi propaganda and his tendency to align himself with America's enemies and autocrats presents a distinct challenge for his Republican rivals and, ultimately, US voters.

The former president, who has a strong possibility of becoming the next president, cautioned over the weekend that immigrants are "polluting the blood" of the United States. He also echoed Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to undermine American democracy in his latest shameful display of deference to the former KGB officer, who has been accused of committing war crimes.

Trumps recent remarks at a rally in New Hampshire contradict the foundational values and political traditions of America. They indicate that Trump, who attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 election, would govern even more radically if given a second term in the White House. His rhetoric is likely to reinforce President Biden's campaign message that he is the only hope to prevent a former president from undermining US democracy. Despite this, it has not yet translated into a boost for the incumbent in polls, which show him lagging behind Trump in crucial swing states.

Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally on Saturday, December 16, in Durham, New Hampshire.

Reba Saldanha/AP

Trumps campaign rhetoric takes a dark turn as he makes extreme statements in his final sprint for the presidency. While critics may call for a sense of proportion, it's important to understand the inflammatory nature of his behavior and to soberly evaluate the threat he poses to democratic values, especially with autocracies such as China, Russia, and Iran on the rise.

Disregarding Trump's statements would be a mistake, as his words continue to have a destabilizing political impact even after leaving office. His inflammatory rhetoric on immigration seeks to stoke hostility and fear against immigrants, fueling anxiety about the perceived threat to White, Christian dominance by outsiders of different ethnic groups and creeds. These comments further exacerbate political divisions and put racial, ethnic, and religious minorities at risk. Additionally, Trump is exaggerating the threat from undocumented migrants to exploit the Biden administration's struggle to control the surge of arrivals at the southern border. Republicans have labeled the situation a crisis, and the White House has yet to offer a compelling counter narrative.

The use of violent and often racist immigration rhetoric has been a key component of Trump's appeal, as seen in his earlier campaign targeting President Barack Obama's birthplace and his derogatory comments about Mexicans at the start of his political career. Furthermore, given his attempt to overturn the election results, there is no doubt about Trump's willingness to manipulate American political systems to strengthen his power. He continues to use demagogic tactics, including labeling his political opponents as "vermin" and warning that Biden is the real threat to democracy, showcasing his ever-changing and manipulative style.

However, Trump is simultaneously trying to lure his critics into a trap by defying widely accepted political speech norms, which generates outrage. This energizes his most devoted supporters and throws his opponents off balance. By using imagery reminiscent of 1930s European fascism in his speeches, he incites a strong reaction from the media, allowing him to argue to his supporters that the "left" is conspiring against him and, by extension, them. The response from his critics serves to strengthen him.

Critics of Trump must also be cautious as their warnings about the potential downfall of democracy might overshadow the very real risks he would bring to the White House. Former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, a Republican who has fearlessly spoken out against Trump, is already sounding alarms about the possibility of Trump refusing to leave office if elected next year, warning that the country is headed towards a dictatorship. While Trump has suggested tearing up the Constitution, there is currently no indication that he would be able to cancel a future general election, despite his present rhetoric.

On Sunday, November 19, Former President Donald Trump received the endorsement of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in the Republican presidential primary. The endorsement took place during an appearance near the southern border at the South Texas International Airport at Edinburg.

Meridith Kohut/The New York Times/Redux

Trump defends former influencer convicted of election interference who has racist, antisemitic past

The ex-president continues to move further towards extremism, using fiery language and making promises that challenge the law in order to maintain his image as an outsider to the Washington establishment. His anti-democratic rhetoric appeals to his followers, driving him to the right-wing fringe of US politics. Rather than drawing comparisons to historical figures, Trump's actions more closely resemble those of present-day autocrats like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whom Trump admires. Orban, along with leaders like Putin, promote white nationalism, authoritarian rule, and orthodox Christianity, while undermining political and electoral systems and weakening the press and the courts. Orban is actively working with Putin to shut off Ukraine's support, positioning Russia's invasion as a proxy war against the West.

Hungary appears to be a democratic nation, but it has been negatively affected by the actions of a powerful leader who has undermined its reputation and institutions. This serves as a warning for the US. Trump's extreme behavior raises serious concerns for his opponents, who have not had the courage to stand up to him, and also highlights the Republican Party's failure to confront its leader, who consistently supports US adversaries like Putin. This situation is particularly troubling as the primary election approaches.

Many of the ex-president's supporters voted for him in the last two elections for various reasons. Some felt let down by the country's economic and political system after many years, while others aligned with his "America First" ideology following years of foreign wars. Trump's supporters often argue that the political, media, and government elites look down on them, and that Trump was the first politician in years to represent their cultural and political views.

However, after his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his use of divisive rhetoric, there is little doubt about who Trump is and how he might act in a potential second term.

What does it say about America, its political culture, and the mood of its people at this critical moment in history, that millions of voters are willing to embrace his extremism during his weekend of zealotry and bigotry?