Analysis
In his second term, Donald Trump has escalated these tactics, leveraging government power, rhetoric, and political culture to erode norms of pluralism and tolerance.
1. Rhetorical Attacks Framing Opponents as Enemies
Trump has continued—and intensified—his portrayal of Democrats and critics as existential threats:
- "Enemy of the State" Language: Regularly refers to opponents as "Marxists," "traitors,", "Enemy within" and "enemies of America" (CNN, October 2024).
- Incendiary Rally Rhetoric: Public appearances feature chants and applause for statements advocating jail or retaliation against political rivals (Associated Press, Sept 2024).
- Conspiratorial Framing: Promotes theories accusing opponents of orchestrating a “deep state coup” (Wikipedia).
2. Legal and Financial Retaliation Against Critics
The Trump administration has deployed state power to target opposition-aligned individuals and organizations:
- Investigations into Political Organizations: Initiated IRS and DOJ investigations into Democratic fundraising platforms like ActBlue (Associated Press, May 2025).
- Targeting Universities: Revoked federal grants from institutions perceived as hostile to Trump’s agenda, including Harvard and UC Berkeley (The Guardian, June 2025).
- Selective Prosecutions: Launched high-profile probes into former Biden officials while ignoring legal concerns around Trump loyalists (MSNBC, May 2025](https://www.msnbc.com/deadline-white-house/deadline-legal-blog/hannah-dugan-judge-arrest-trump-immunity-rcna206855)).
3. Threats of Violence and Use of Dehumanizing Language
Language that dehumanizes opponents creates conditions for political violence:
- Nicknames and Degradation: Continues to use slurs like “Crooked Joe” or “Deranged Jack Smith,” often amplified by right-wing media. Repeatedly calling any dissenting view as "Radical Left Lunatic" (Aljazeera, March 2025).
- Glorification of Violence: Shares memes and videos fantasizing about executing or imprisoning political foes (CNN, March 2024).
- Threatening Future Use of Force: Publicly suggests invoking the Insurrection Act to crack down on “radical leftists” and “domestic enemies” (People, October 2024).
4. Cultural Impacts and Radicalization
These tactics have radicalized the political environment:
- Normalization Through Media: Right-wing outlets regularly repeat and reinforce Trump's framing of opponents as threats to the nation (Transatlantic Notes, Feb 2025)
- Militia Mobilization: Far-right groups have cited Trump’s rhetoric as justification for threats against school boards, election officials, and lawmakers (Associated Press, May 2025)..
- Deterioration of Political Discourse: Bipartisan compromise and respectful opposition have been further eroded, even in local governance. (ICMA, 2022)
Conclusion
Delegitimizing political opponents is not merely divisive—it is corrosive to democracy itself. Trump’s second term has elevated this tactic from rhetorical flourish to systemic strategy. By framing opposition as criminal, subhuman, and unpatriotic, he lays the groundwork for authoritarian entrenchment and political violence. Rebuilding a civic culture of pluralism and respect will require confronting and reversing these dangerous narratives.