A dangerous idea has been circulating among conservatives since the two failed assassination attempts on Donald Trump last year: Harsh criticism of him or the MAGA movement incites illegal acts of resistance, including political violence. This claim was made by no less an authority than Trump’s then–running mate, J.D. Vance , who blamed “Democrats and the media” for the second attempt. “Cut it out or you’re going to get somebody killed,” he said.

When Kamala Harris agreed that a returned-to-power Trump might act as a “fascist,” Republican congressional leaders (who ignored the fact that Trump had repeatedly called Harris a “fascist” and a “communist”) warned that this could contribute to more violence.

This kind of thinking returned with a vengeance after the assassination of Charli

See Full Page