In a recent analysis, Victor Davis Hanson contends that the mainstreaming of violent rhetoric by left-wing elites has directly contributed to multiple assassination attempts against President Donald Trump. The latest incident occurred at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where a third attempt on Trump's life was thwarted by the Secret Service.
The Pattern of Violence
Hanson notes that all three would-be assassins fit a profile of deranged leftists, motivated by widespread demonization of Trump as a fascist or Hitler. He points to a manifesto left by the latest shooter, Cole Tomas Allen, which echoed left-wing conspiracies about Russian collusion and lawfare.
Elite Signals and Media Influence
According to Hanson, celebrities, politicians, and media figures have normalized calls for violence against Trump. He lists examples including Kathy Griffin's beheading photo, Shakespeare in the Park's staging of Julius Caesar as Trump, and remarks by Johnny Depp, Madonna, and others fantasizing about killing the president.
Political Consequences
Hanson criticizes Democratic leaders for failing to condemn such rhetoric, instead amplifying it. He cites Kamala Harris's 2020 encouragement of protests that never stopped, and Tim Walz's repeated characterization of Trump as a fascist. He argues that this environment has led to a normalization of street violence, including attacks on ICE officers and vandalism of Tesla dealerships.
Secret Service Under Scrutiny
While praising the Secret Service's response, Hanson questions why the shooter was able to enter the hotel armed. He also criticizes past efforts to strip Trump of Secret Service protection, such as the DISGRACED Act proposed by Rep. Bennie Thompson.
Conclusion
Hanson predicts more attempts on Trump's life unless the left changes course. He calls for a de-escalation of violent language and a return to civil discourse, warning that the current trajectory is dangerous for democracy.
