Democracy expert points to 'red flag signaling imminent danger' with Trump's rhetoric

Those high-profile Republicans who are twisting Donald Trump's "bloodbath" comments to be more palatable are part of the problem, a democracy expert said on Sunday.

Trygve Olson, the author of the Lincoln Democracy Institute's research project, the "Democracy Index," responded to ex-GOP governor Scott Walker's attempt to paint Trump's use of "bloodbath" as using an alternative definition about "economic disasters."

"Clearly, [Trump] was talking about a major economic disaster," Walker said on Sunday.

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In response, Olson said the "current political discourse, inflamed by Donald Trump's ominous hints at a 'bloodbath,' signals a critical juncture for the United States."

"High-profile conservatives, such as [Walker], are attempting to dilute the gravity of Trump's words by framing them within industrial contexts. Yet, considering Wisconsin's pivotal role in the upcoming 2024 electoral cycle, alongside its tumultuous history of protests and civil unrest—much of which can be traced back to Walker's tenure—this state exemplifies the broader national crisis," he said. "In April 2023, my extensive survey work for [Lincoln Democracy Institute] unveiled alarming levels of political extremism and radicalization across the U.S., echoing methodologies from my post-9/11 research in the Middle East."

Olson continued:

"The data showed that over a quarter of Americans are on the brink of political extremism, with another 30% teetering on the edge. The stark division in America was further highlighted by responses to a seemingly simple question: 'Do you view those who don't share your political views as trustworthy opponents or untrustworthy enemies?' By April, nearly half of the respondents nationwide viewed their political opposites as enemies—a sentiment alarmingly pronounced in key states like Wisconsin. In April 2023, 37% of Wisconsin respondents viewed those with differing political views as enemies. Of these, 51% supported Donald Trump, 35% backed Biden, and the rest were undecided. By December 2023, a subsequent Wisconsin survey for [the Lincoln Project] revealed a chilling reversal: 62% now regarded the opposing side as enemies."

According to Olson, "this surge in animosity was particularly marked among Trump and Biden supporters, with respective increases of 42% and 107%."

"This dramatic rise in division is more than just concerning—it is a red flag signaling the imminent danger of political violence and extremism," he added. "Trump's relentless insinuations of violence, especially post-January 6th, have irrevocably polarized the electorate. The use of incendiary language, such as 'bloodbath,' regardless of its intended context, exacerbates this volatile situation. The conspicuous silence and, worse, the justification of such rhetoric by right-wing leadership, betray a fundamental betrayal of democratic principles. This complicity in the face of Trump's provocations poses an existential threat to the 2024 elections and, by extension, to American democracy itself."

Read the full reply right here.