Donald Trump slammed for not ruling out political violence if he loses election in November

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump refused to unequivocally rule out the possibility of political violence following the November election if he fails to secure victory.

Trump's comments arise amid increasing worries about the integrity of the democratic system and apprehensions of a recurrence of the violence witnessed after the 2020 election.

Trump's ambiguous stance post-election violence

Trump's statements were initially optimistic, asserting confidence in his anticipated victory and dismissing the likelihood of any post-election violence.

“I think we’re gonna have a big victory. And I think there will be no violence,” Trump told Time magazine's Eric Cortellessa.

However, when pressed further, he offered a more ambiguous stance. “Well, I do think we’re gonna win. We’re way ahead. I don’t think they’ll be able to do the things that they did the last time, which were horrible. Absolutely horrible,” Trump said, alluding to his repeated claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election.

“But I don’t think we’re going to have that. I think we’re going to win,” he continued. “And if we don’t win, you know, it depends. It always depends on the fairness of an election. I don’t believe they’ll be able to do the things that they did the last time. I don’t think they’ll be able to get away with it. And if that’s the case, we’re gonna win in record-setting fashion.”

Critics swiftly condemned the former president's remarks, perceiving them as a troubling sign of his readiness to consider the possibility of violence if the election does not go in his favor.

President Biden and his supporters have previously raised concerns about Trump's rhetoric, warning of its potential to provoke unrest.

Trump's refusal to definitively rule out the possibility of violence is particularly alarming in light of the events that transpired following his defeat in the 2020 election.

Following weeks of unfounded allegations of electoral fraud, Trump pressured then-Vice President Mike Pence to reject the election results, leading to the violent breach of the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

The aftermath of the Capitol riot has seen numerous individuals facing federal charges, with Trump himself implicated in ongoing legal proceedings.

Despite this, Trump has openly embraced and defended those prosecuted for their alleged involvement in the insurrection, even suggesting that he would consider pardoning them en masse.

"I think it's a two-tier system of justice. I think it's a very, very sad thing," he said, adding, "If somebody was evil and bad, I would look at that differently."

Social media backlash on Trump's comments

However, Trump's critics slammed him on social media after he did not shut down the possibility of political violence after November’s election if he didn’t win.

"There ya go, if he doesn't think the election is 'fair' then there will be violence. ...in other words, there WILL be violence when he doesn't win," one posted on X. 

"He's telling you exactly what will happen if he loses. He needs to be held accountable," another wrote.

"Translation: 'If I lose it wasn’t fair,'" someone else added.

"He is saying the things he will do, the American people should be really aware of this and vote accordingly. It is not hearsay, it is directly from him," a comment read.

"God, that’s terrifying," another chimed in.

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