Social media users are expressing concern and legal experts are sounding the alarm after former president Donald Trump posted a message over the weekend on his own social media platform “advocating for civil war.”
The message came after Fox Nation propagandist Lara Logan had reposted a message from the right-wing “populist” President of El Salvador, that suggests the United States is “falling so fast” due to an “enemy” within.
A pro-Trump account named “MAGA King Thanos” on Trump’s Truth Social platform replied: “Civil War.”
Trump reposted that message, which was described by attorney George Conway described as “advocating or predicting civil war in the United States.”
GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) responded by calling out Republicans for remaining silent on Trump’s incitement of violence.
He wrote: “Any of my fellow Republicans wanna speak out now? Or are we just wanting to get through “just one more election first…?”
Any of my fellow Republicans wanna speak out now? Or are we just wanting to get through “just one more election first…?” https://t.co/G6YXAC1qIb
— Adam Kinzinger (@AdamKinzinger) May 22, 2022
Other issued warnings about the potential for violence:
“Trump mirrors his base. Pay attention,” former GOP Congressman Denver Riggleman wrote.
Attorney and journalist Dean Obeidallah wrote: “Trump’s suggestion of a Civil War appears to forget that on Jan 6 he and his forces tried that and FAILED. But the fact Trump can call for a civil war today is only possible because DOJ has still not prosecuted Trump–despite it being 502 days since Jan 6!”
“When will be stop believing Trump has the slightest interest in actual democracy? Elections are an inconvenience to him. He is a political arsonist,” foreign correspondent and sports columnist Robert Lusetich commented.
Amanda Carpenter, a columnist at The Bulwark, commented: “Tell me how … he has never egged on violence again?”
Brendan Nyhan, a political scientist and professor at Dartmouth College, called Trump’s post “extremely dangerous.”
“After seeking to overturn his election defeat, the former president is now endorsing the claim that we are in a ‘civil war.’ Incredibly dangerous. How long until the next gunman takes him literally and/or seriously? What about the next time he or his party lose another election?” asked Nyhan.
Gen. Milley said that we were on the brink of our own Reichstag moment, CIA Director Haspel expressed worry of a right-wing coup, and both Secretaries of Defense, Esper and Miller, have come forward saying that they had been concerned that Trump would invoke the Insurrection Act.
— The Ghost of George Conway🌻 (@gtconway3dg) May 22, 2022
When will be stop believing Trump has the slightest interest in actual democracy? Elections are an inconvenience to him. He is a political arsonist.
— Robert Lusetich (@RobertLusetich) May 22, 2022
4 days ago, all but ONE Republican voted AGAINST the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act
This weekend Orban called for a conservative takeover by “our troops”
Today Trump called for a civil war
The coup is ongoing. The insurrection never ended
Time for everyone to wake the F up
— Lindy Li (@lindyli) May 23, 2022
MAJOR BREAKING NEWS: Former US President Donald Trump Takes Most Seditious Step Ever Taken By a US President, Appearing to Predict and/or Advocate a Second Civil War; Nation Waits for Condemnation From the RNC, NRCC, NRSC, House/Senate Minority Leaders or Anyone in GOP Leadership pic.twitter.com/3c6lweuWbh
— Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) May 22, 2022
