The Dangers of Downplaying Trump’s threats

Political Violence and Rhetoric - The report highlights a sharp increase in political violence and related rhetoric, noting the U S president's call for the execution of six lawmakers as a dangerous escalation [1] - The president's rhetoric is seen as inciting violence against critics, with potential real and immediate consequences [9] - The lawmakers who were threatened are now working with Capitol police for protection, and one experienced a bomb threat at home [12] Erosion of Democratic Norms - The report suggests the president's actions signal a deeper danger: an open disdain for American democracy and a systematic effort to undermine the constitutional order [15] - The president's press secretary stated that every order given to the U S military is lawful, reflecting an authoritarian mindset [17] - The media ecosystem is criticized for sometimes treating these threats as minor or routine, lowering the bar for democratic governance [19][20] Military and Constitutional Obligations - Six Democratic lawmakers released a video urging members of the military and intelligence community to refuse unlawful orders [2][3] - Under U S military law, service members can refuse a patently illegal order [5] - Veterans and National Guard members have warned against the politicization of the military, reminding service members of their obligations to the U S Constitution [23] Trump's Actions and Reactions - Trump accused the lawmakers of seditious behavior punishable by death [6] - Trump reposted a comment suggesting the lawmakers should be hanged [7] - Trump's actions are seen as testing the limits of acceptable behavior, with the risk that precedent becomes permission [21]