Over the weekend, former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric reached new heights of intensity as he took to Truth Social to express his grievances and concerns on a wide range of topics.
In recent times, Trump’s social media presence has gone beyond his usual complaints about unfair treatment, delving into ominous warnings of the nation’s potential descent into “oblivion.”
This represents a significant escalation in his tried-and-true playbook, which typically involves rallying his base by keeping them angry and anxious. The question now is whether this strategy is as effective as it has been in the past.
Trump’s past warnings have spanned from “immigrants taking jobs” to “Democrats ruining the country.” However, in recent weeks, these messages have taken on a darker tone.
The former President is sparing no effort in maintaining his base’s state of unease, anger, and engagement, a strategy that has consistently yielded results.
Over the weekend, Trump once again used Truth Social to provoke his followers, ensuring they remain on edge about the future. It’s possible that this heightened concern could drive them to the polls in 2024 to secure another shot at the presidency for him.
Trump first revisited his belief that politically motivated attacks against him increase when he’s polling well, writing, “MASSIVE & UNPRECEDENTED PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT DUE TO TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME & BIG LEADS AGAINST BOTH PARTIES IN POLLS!!!”
Then, he intensified concerns about the potential theft of another election. It’s worth noting that the validity of the 2020 election has been affirmed, with no significant fraud found. Nonetheless, Trump wrote, “Crooked Democrat Prosecutors, many of them Racists in Reverse, are trying to steal a second Presidential Election. They did it in 2020, and we’re not going to let them do it again in 2024. MAGA!!!”
Finally, he reached the heart of the matter: his belief that “radical, Marxist Democrats” are dragging the country toward oblivion. Trump asserted, “This is the most dangerous time in the history of our Country. World War III is looming, like never before, in the very dark and murky background. ‘Leadership’ is solely responsible for this unprecedented danger to the USA, and likewise, the World. HOPELESS JOE BIDEN IS LEADING US INTO OBLIVION!!!”
Trump has consistently argued that, had he remained in office, the nation would not be facing international tensions with countries like China, North Korea, or Russia. He has criticized President Joe Biden for his handling of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, even expressing trust in Russian leader Vladimir Putin over US intelligence officials.
However, stoking fears of an impending World War III serves not only as a personal opinion but also as a political tool, one that many view as dangerous and callous.
Critics have accused Trump of exploiting current events for political gain, such as his visit to the site of a train derailment in Ohio, which was seen as a free press tour for his 2024 candidacy, despite his not holding public office.
Similarly, he is leveraging the Russia situation and the threat of World War III to bolster his political aspirations. While it’s not unusual for political candidates to claim they could handle situations better than the incumbent, Trump’s approach goes beyond typical campaign promises, relying heavily on fear to rally his supporters behind his return to power.
For years, Trump’s popularity has thrived on an energized base that is often fueled by anger and fear. However, signs indicate that a growing number of Republicans are growing tired of the continuous barrage of controversy and dread. They are exploring alternative options for the 2024 presidential race, including figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and others who have hinted at potential presidential runs.
This development has further infuriated Trump, prompting him to redouble his efforts to convince his base that his candidacy is a do-or-die issue. Whether his supporters can maintain the level of fear and anger he has cultivated until the 2024 election remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Trump has provided them with plenty of reasons to try.
