On Sunday, during CNN’s coverage of the second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, former FBI counterterrorism agent Tim Clemente joined host Erin Burnett to discuss the troubling incident.
Clemente expressed concern that political rhetoric, particularly inflammatory statements misinterpreted to incite violence, may have motivated the alleged assassin.
Clemente pointed to a recent controversy surrounding Trump’s comments about the auto industry, which were taken out of context to suggest he was threatening violence if he lost the upcoming election.
Trump had warned of a “bloodbath” for the auto industry if his Democratic opponent won, but some twisted this statement to imply a violent outcome should Trump not be re-elected. Clemente suggested that such misunderstandings could provoke unstable individuals to act out violently.
“It’s unprecedented in a civilized society, and I think we’re becoming more and more uncivilized, sadly, with the political diatribes that are going on and the political new indictments of either candidate,” Clemente remarked. “Sadly, the finger-pointing at Trump has led to — you know, the line about the bloodbath, talking about the auto industry, being used as if he’s going to create a bloody coup if he loses.”
Clemente emphasized the danger of using extreme rhetoric in political discourse, comparing it to tactics typically seen in less stable, authoritarian regimes.
“That kind of verbiage is something you use in a third-world country when you’re talking about a dictator,” he said, “and that sadly has led to, I think, these attempts on Trump’s life, and I don’t think it’s going to end.”
Clemente further elaborated on the growing divide in American politics, attributing it to increasingly hostile language and personal attacks between political opponents.
He urged people to return to civil discourse, where disagreements don’t equate to enmity. “We just have to realize, look, we’re political opponents. You and I might not agree on 50% of what we care about politically. It doesn’t matter,” Clemente said. “It doesn’t mean we can’t be friends, neighbors, relatives, and have a regular dialogue every day.”
He stressed the importance of respectful conversation, stating that while people may hold differing views, it’s crucial to engage in discussions without treating the other side as the enemy.
“We have to get back to that—talk about our differences, but not in a way that makes us feel like you’re the enemy and I’m all good,” Clemente concluded.
Clemente’s commentary highlights the growing tension in American political life, where increasingly incendiary language may contribute to acts of violence.
His call for more civil, respectful dialogue between opposing political sides underscores the need for greater understanding and communication to prevent further division and instability.
