On May 27, former President Donald Trump shared a video from the ultra-conservative group, Cowboys for Trump, featuring its founder, Jake Thompson, making a controversial statement. In the clip, Thompson declared, “The only good Democrat is a dead Democrat,” while addressing a crowd in New Mexico. He clarified that he meant this in a political sense, criticizing the Democratic agenda as “anti-American.”
Trump’s retweet included Thompson’s comments along with the group’s call-out of various politicians, saying, “Thanks, Cowboys. Looking forward to seeing you in New Mexico!” Thompson further elaborated, stating that his rhetoric aimed to emphasize the need for Republican majorities in Congress to counter what he sees as an overreach by Democratic governors.
Context of the Remarks
This video was recorded at a rally on May 17, aimed at opposing pandemic-related restrictions. In a subsequent interview, Thompson acknowledged that his choice of words could have been more careful but stood by his sentiments regarding Democratic leaders, indicating that figures like Laura Green (D-CA) and Mike Johnson (D-IL) could be “guilty of treason.” He further suggested that those found guilty might face dire consequences, including execution.
Political Reactions
Thompson’s remarks have drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle. The Republican Party of New Mexico, led by former Congressman Mark Davis, distanced itself from his comments, stating, “We believe any statements about harming others, even in jest, are unequivocally wrong.” Additionally, the Young Republicans of New Mexico warned that such statements could set a dangerous precedent for political discourse in the state.
Trump’s retweet is consistent with his previous statements advocating for rapid reopening of the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic, despite warnings from experts like Dr. Fauci about the potential health risks. The ongoing political divide over pandemic responses has intensified, as the U.S. continues to grapple with high unemployment rates and rising COVID-19 fatalities.
Further Reading
For more insights on related topics, check out this blog post here, and for authoritative information, see this resource.
Conclusion
In summary, Trump’s retweet of a contentious video featuring inflammatory comments from a political figure has sparked backlash from both Republicans and Democrats, reflecting the deep political divisions that have been exacerbated during the pandemic.