Sen. JD Vance has taken aim at both the media and Democratic lawmakers for their recent criticism of former President Donald Trump’s political rhetoric, particularly following two assassination attempts against Trump since July.

Vance argued that the demands for Trump to moderate his tone are hypocritical given the violent rhetoric coming from the left, and his comments came during a campaign stop in Sparta, Michigan, where he addressed the ongoing tension between Trump’s supporters and his critics, as the Post Millennial reports.

In his speech, Vance condemned the mainstream media and Democratic officials for what he described as “lecturing” Trump on toning down his political rhetoric.

This, Vance stated, occurred in the aftermath of an alleged assassination attempt on Trump while he was golfing at his club in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to Vance, these demands for restraint from Trump’s critics come just as rhetoric from the left continues to escalate.

Trump Links Biden and Harris to Violence

Vance’s remarks echo statements from Trump himself, who has publicly linked the rhetoric of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to the recent assassination attempt. Trump claimed that their language, which he views as inciting violence, influenced the attacker to target him.

The incident involved a 58-year-old man named Ryan Routh, who has a lengthy criminal record and is known to the FBI. According to reports, Routh allegedly hid in the bushes near Trump’s golf course for 12 hours with an AK-47 before a Secret Service agent spotted him. After a brief exchange of gunfire, Routh fled but was soon apprehended. The FBI is investigating the case as an assassination attempt.

Trump Campaign Cites Violent Rhetoric from Left

In response to the assassination attempt, the Trump campaign released a detailed list of public comments made by Democratic figures and media personalities that they argue incite violence against Trump. The list includes quotes referring to Trump as a "threat to democracy" and calling for his "elimination."

One of the most striking examples cited by Trump’s team was a remark from Rick Wilson, a co-founder of the Lincoln Project, who was quoted as advocating for someone to "put a bullet in Donald Trump."

Additionally, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was referenced for calling Trump "dangerous" during an interview conducted the day after the most recent assassination plot.

Vance, referencing these examples during his speech, underscored the growing hostility directed at Trump. He also noted that the calls for Trump to soften his rhetoric seem misplaced in light of the violent language coming from his opponents.

Vance Points to Need for Toned Down Rhetoric

The Ohio senator did not mince words in his criticism, stating, "Don’t lecture Donald Trump about softening his rhetoric after two people tried to kill him." He went on to describe the current political climate as "ridiculous," implying that the left’s rhetoric is equally, if not more, dangerous.

Vance also referenced Trump's statements directly, including Trump's accusation that Biden and Harris are not only encouraging violence but are responsible for creating an atmosphere that puts his life in danger. Trump claimed that the rhetoric coming from Democratic leaders has led people like Routh to act on these violent sentiments, describing himself as the person who can "save the country" from being destroyed by these forces.

Media Criticism Spurs Republican Backlash

This incident and the media’s response have become a flashpoint for Republican figures like Vance, who see a double standard in how political violence is discussed. While Trump’s rhetoric has frequently been blamed for escalating tensions, Vance and others argue that the left’s language is not being scrutinized to the same degree.

During a recent appearance at the Faith and Freedom Coalition in Georgia, Vance cited the Trump campaign’s list of inflammatory statements as evidence that Democrats also need to tone down their rhetoric. Vance’s message was clear: violent rhetoric, regardless of the political affiliation of its source, is a threat to civil discourse.

Secret Service and FBI Investigate Threats

As the FBI continues its investigation into the golf course incident, the Secret Service has also increased its security measures around Trump. The agency has taken additional precautions to prevent further assassination attempts, though the details of these measures have not been publicly disclosed.

Meanwhile, the Trump campaign has continued to press the point that political figures and media outlets should be held accountable for the violence their rhetoric might inspire. With the 2024 election campaign looming, this issue is likely to remain a prominent theme in Republican messaging.

Conclusion: Vance Defends Trump, Calls Out Left

In his remarks, Vance firmly defended Trump against the criticism directed at him, pointing to what he sees as violent rhetoric from the left that is influencing dangerous actions against the former president. He argued that it is hypocritical for the media and Democratic lawmakers to lecture Trump on political rhetoric while violent threats are being made against him. Vance emphasized the need for all sides to reduce their rhetoric, highlighting the recent assassination attempt as evidence that words have real consequences.

In the aftermath of these events, Republicans like Vance are likely to continue calling attention to the political climate, framing it as a debate not just about Trump’s language but about the broader discourse surrounding him. Both the FBI and Secret Service remain vigilant in protecting the former president amid ongoing concerns over his safety.