Divide and Conquer

Donald Trump and JD Vance have made inflammatory and divisive rhetoric a cornerstone of their campaigns and political speeches, promoting a discourse filled with insults, polarization, and fear. Since his 2016 campaign, Trump has demonized migrants, especially Latinos, accusing them of bringing crime, drugs, and violence to the United States. JD Vance, his running mate, has followed a similar line, attacking so-called left-wing liberals and perpetuating conspiracy theories about the country being controlled by globalist and radical elites. Vance has even said migrants "eat pets," a statement repeated by Trump, eliciting both laughter and hate.

This divisive rhetoric not only fuels fear towards migrants and minorities but also contains a dangerous paradox: while Trump and Vance direct their attacks at so-called "internal enemies," the most serious acts of political violence in recent years have been committed by individuals who, ironically, represent the demographic they defend: white, American, Republican men.

The second assassination attempt—once again committed by an armed white man—highlights a truth that many in the party prefer to ignore: the real acts of political violence in the United States have not come from migrants or left-wing radicals, but from right-wing extremists.

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This underscores how the polarization and hateful rhetoric pushed by figures like Trump and Vance not only fail to protect the country from an alleged external threat but also exacerbate internal violence. The attacks on political figures, such as the recent assassination attempts, do not come from those demonized by the right, but from those who, in many cases, identify with their incendiary rhetoric. Just as happened with the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack perpetrated by Trump supporters, the pattern of domestic violence and terrorism remains a critical challenge to national security.

The irony is clear: while Trump and Vance portray migrants and left-wing groups as the primary causes of America’s decline, it is extremists within their own base who have committed some of the most notorious crimes. This disconnect between narrative and reality has fueled a cycle of violence. By projecting fear onto "the other," they avoid confronting the deeper problems plaguing the country: the growing radicalization of certain sectors of the white, male, Republican population, many of whom have been indoctrinated by years of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and racial hatred.

The impact of Trump and Vance's xenophobic and racist rhetoric cannot be underestimated. Their constant demonization of immigrants and minorities has normalized hate speech in the public sphere, dehumanizing entire communities. First, it was Mexicans in 2016, then Asians in 2020, and now Haitians and Venezuelans. The discourse does not reflect data or reality. Despite efforts to blame migrants or left-wing activists for the country’s violence, the facts show otherwise. In the recent assassination attempt, it was again a white Republican who carried the weapon, not a migrant, not a member of “Antifa,” nor any of the figures demonized by Republican rhetoric.

It is evident that Trump and Vance's discourse has failed to identify the real threats to the country’s security. Instead of focusing on real issues like white supremacy or the growing gun violence, they continue to use xenophobia and fear to mobilize their base. It is clear that this approach has disastrous consequences for social cohesion and national security.

Inflammatory rhetoric not only divides society but also endangers all Americans. By diverting attention from real problems, Trump and Vance contribute to an endless cycle of violence and polarization that leaves the country more fragmented and vulnerable. Until the root causes of domestic radicalization and extremism are addressed, the United States will continue to face threats from those who, ironically, claim to defend the nation’s values. Today, the residents of Springfield, Ohio, know firsthand what a constant call to hatred does to everyday life.

BY PEDRO ÁNGEL PALOU

CONTRIBUTOR

@PEDROPALOU

Contenido publicado originalmente en El Heraldo de México