The Rising Threats Against Donald Trump: A Disturbing Reality
It’s only September, and Donald Trump has already survived the second assassination attempt of his current presidential campaign. The alarming frequency of these threats has raised serious concerns about the safety of political figures in the United States. The Secret Service, tasked with protecting the president and presidential candidates, has taken the extraordinary step of asking Trump to limit his golfing activities. This request underscores the gravity of the situation and highlights the challenges faced by security agencies in an increasingly volatile political landscape.
The Secret Service’s Embarrassment
For an organization that routinely takes presidents into high-risk zones like Kyiv and Baghdad, the need to request a candidate to curtail leisure activities is a significant embarrassment. In functional democracies, candidates can typically engage in recreational activities without the looming fear of violence. However, the rising tide of political violence in the U.S. has crossed a threshold, leaving many to wonder if it can ever recede.
After the first assassination attempt, Kimberly Cheatle, the head of the Secret Service, faced intense scrutiny in Congress and ultimately resigned. While accountability is essential in any institution, it is crucial to recognize that the problems facing the Secret Service extend beyond individual failures. The political climate has become increasingly hostile, and the agency is grappling with a surge in threats that is unprecedented in modern history.
The Surge of Threats
In my research for "The Next Civil War," I spoke with an anonymous Secret Service agent who revealed that they were already overwhelmed by a significant increase in threats. Traditionally, threats to political figures were communicated through letters or phone calls. However, the internet has dramatically amplified the capacity for hatred, making it easier for individuals to express violent intentions openly. The sheer volume of threats is staggering, and no agency, regardless of its resources, can effectively manage this deluge.
The Nature of Modern Threats
The nature of threats has also evolved. The rise of what criminologists term “stochastic terrorism” complicates the landscape further. Unlike organized political violence, stochastic terrorism arises from a network of individuals fueled by shared grievances and ideologies. This phenomenon is not merely the product of a single disturbed individual; it is a manifestation of a broader societal malaise. The toxic environment of American politics breeds individuals who are willing to resort to violence, making it increasingly difficult for security agencies to predict and prevent attacks.
A Divided Nation
The current political climate in the U.S. is marked by deep divisions. Republicans and Democrats inhabit fundamentally different worlds, with starkly contrasting values. Historical data reveals a troubling trend: in 1960, only 4% of Democrats and Republicans expressed a desire to avoid inter-party marriages. By 2010, that number had surged to 50% among Republicans and nearly a third of Democrats. Today, a quarter of Americans believe that “American patriots may have to resort to violence to save the country.” This pervasive sentiment transcends party lines, indicating a widespread acceptance of violence as a political tool.
The Firearms Factor
The alarming statistics surrounding firearms in America further exacerbate the situation. With approximately 500 million firearms in circulation and only about 6 million registered, the sheer volume of weapons available to the public poses a significant challenge for law enforcement and security agencies. The domestic consumption of ammunition alone accounts for around 12 billion rounds annually. This reality creates a dangerous equation: a culture of hatred combined with easy access to firearms leads to inevitable violence.
The Bipartisan Nature of Violence
A new and troubling trend has emerged in the wake of recent assassination attempts against Trump. The appetite for conspiracy theories and violence, once predominantly associated with the far right, is now manifesting on the left as well. Social media platforms have been rife with claims that the first assassination attempt was a “false flag” operation, echoing narratives typically found in far-right discourse. Polls reveal that 7% of Americans believe violence should be used to restore Trump to the presidency, while 10% think force is justified to prevent him from returning to power. This disturbing trend illustrates that the potential for violence is no longer confined to one ideological camp.
The Historical Context of Political Violence
The American presidency has always been a perilous position. With four out of 45 presidents assassinated and an additional 13 surviving attempts, the statistics are sobering. In contrast, other democracies have experienced far fewer incidents of political violence. The last British prime minister to be assassinated was Spencer Perceval in 1812, while Australia has seen only three assassination attempts in its entire history. The stark difference highlights the unique challenges faced by American political figures.
Trump’s Response to Threats
In a striking display of bravado, Trump has turned the attempts on his life into a point of pride, claiming, “Only consequential presidents get shot at.” While this statement may resonate with his supporters, it overlooks the grim reality of political violence in America. He even humorously lamented missing a golf shot due to the disruption caused by the Secret Service during the assassination attempt. This attitude reflects a troubling normalization of violence in political discourse.
The Role of Stochastic Terrorism
The Secret Service agent I interviewed noted that in America, presidential assassination has become a part of the political process. While this statement was made in jest, it underscores a grim truth: stochastic terrorism is pervasive and effective. The cycle of violence feeds into itself, creating an environment where political figures are increasingly at risk. As the nation grapples with these challenges, it remains uncertain whether the Secret Service or any agency can effectively safeguard American democracy from the escalating tide of violence.