The aftermath of Donald Trump’s conviction has sparked a wave of extreme and disturbing rhetoric from his media allies, demanding retribution and fueling anger among his supporters. Following the former president’s guilty verdict on 34 felony counts, prominent right-wing media figures have launched a barrage of attacks on the justice system, Judge Juan Merchan, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and even President Joe Biden.
On Fox News and other conservative outlets, pro-Trump personalities have expressed outrage and called the conviction a disgrace. The toxic commentary has not only eroded public trust in America’s core institutions but has also fueled desires for revenge among Trump supporters. Some media figures have openly advocated for the weaponization of government to target Trump’s political opponents if he were to return to the Oval Office.
The Daily Wire’s Matt Walsh, The Federalist’s Sean Davis, and Fox News’ Jesse Watters are among those who have called for the arrest and imprisonment of Democrat officials. The rhetoric coming from right-wing media has taken on a darker tone, with talk of the United States turning into a third-world dictatorship and accusations of unfair treatment of Trump.
While the extreme commentary may seem detached from reality, it has real consequences. It sets the stage for a potentially ugly 2024 race and raises concerns about Trump abusing power if he were to return to office. The rhetoric has also primed a segment of the American population to believe that such behavior is not only justified but necessary. The aftermath of Trump’s conviction has revealed the deep divisions and dangerous rhetoric that continue to permeate the media landscape.