Former President Donald Trump’s political enemies have shown that they will seize on any opportunity to portray him as a threat to American democracy.
The left’s response to his recent joint appearance with U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) at the Iowa State Fair illustrated this partisan trend.
As he faces criminal charges for his allegedly illegal questions about the outcome of the 2020 election, he stood by as Gaetz denounced the current state of the country. Without providing the relevant context of his remarks, many pundits began sharing their disapproving responses to Gaetz’s claim that “only through force do we make any change in a corrupt town like Washington, D.C.”
"Do you agree with your GOP colleague Matt Gaetz that 'only through force can we make any change in a corrupt town like Washington DC?'"
A question that reporters and anchors should ask Republicans tomorrow on the Sunday news programs. Won't happen but should.
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) August 12, 2023
While even some on the right questioned the judgment of the Florida Republican’s use of the word “force,” Gaetz is widely known as a conservative firebrand — “Firebrand” is even the title of his popular podcast — and he frequently uses provocative language to rally supporters.
Based on the entirety of his remarks at the fair, a more reasonable interpretation of his intent would be to assume that he is calling for Trump’s supporters to engage in a political battle to ensure that he receives the Republican nomination.
“Mr. President, I cannot stand these people that are destroying our country,” Gaetz said. ‘They are opening our borders. They are weaponizing our federal law enforcement against patriotic Americans who love this nation as we should.”
As Trump stood by and nodded in support, Gaetz continued: “We are having a great time at the fair. We love standing with you. But we know that only through force do we make any change in a corrupt town like Washington, D.C.”
He went on to describe the political forces targeting Trump as individuals who “are coming for our movement” and “coming for the rest of us.”
Referencing the former president’s hard work on the campaign trail, Gaetz urged all of his supporters to work “10 times harder, 100 times harder,” asserting that with a coordinated effort, “we’re going to win Iowa, we’re going to march to the nomination, and we’re going to save this country.”
Trump received widespread support from attendees at the fair, vowing that he would be returning to the state.
“We love you very much,” he said. “Stay healthy. Stay safe, and you know, stay strong.”
