Trump's incendiary rhetoric during the 2024 presidential campaign has drawn criticism from disability advocates and others, particularly regarding his comments about Kamala Harris and immigrants.

In a recent fundraising event, Trump made light of a deceased supporter’s widow, joking about her loss in a manner that many found distasteful. He also directed xenophobic remarks towards immigrants, suggesting that they come from violent backgrounds. These comments follow a pattern of increasingly aggressive rhetoric, including personal attacks on Harris, which have drawn condemnation from disability advocates and others concerned about the implications of such language. Trump’s strategy appears to hinge on evoking fear and anger, aiming to galvanize his base while risking the alienation of undecided voters who may be turned off by this approach.

Dark Turn in Rhetoric

Trump’s speeches have taken a notably darker tone, as he has made statements that some observers describe as threatening. For instance, he claimed that immigrants “walk into your kitchen, they’ll cut your throat,” which has raised alarms about the potential normalization of violent imagery in political discourse. This shift is reflected in his framing of political opponents and their actions as direct threats to American safety and values.

Polarizing Impact

While Trump’s rhetoric may energize certain segments of his base, particularly “irregular voters” who might be motivated by fear for the future, it also risks alienating moderate and undecided voters. Critics argue that such incendiary language can contribute to a toxic political climate, where personal attacks and dehumanizing language become commonplace. As the election approaches, the effectiveness of this strategy remains a point of contention among political analysts and strategists.