It has been just over a week since the tragic shooting in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, that left 31 people dead and dozens more injured. In the immediate aftermath of the shootings, President Trump expressed condolences for the victims and called for unity in the face of such senseless violence.
However, it did not take long for Trump to abandon that message of unity and return to his usual tactics of insults and election denial. In the days following the shootings, Trump began lashing out at his political opponents, the media, and even the cities of El Paso and Dayton themselves.
Trump took to Twitter to attack his favorite targets, calling Democrats “racist” and accusing the media of trying to “sow division and chaos.” He also blamed the shootings on mental illness and video games, rather than addressing the issue of gun control.
In addition to his divisive rhetoric, Trump also continued to deny the results of the 2016 election, claiming without evidence that he lost the popular vote due to widespread voter fraud. This unfounded claim has been debunked numerous times, but Trump continues to cling to it as a way to delegitimize his critics.
The return to insults and election denial is a stark reminder of the type of leader Trump truly is. Instead of using his platform to bring people together and address the root causes of violence, Trump has chosen to further divide the country and promote his own agenda.
In times of crisis, it is crucial for our leaders to rise above petty politics and focus on finding solutions that will prevent future tragedies. Unfortunately, Trump has shown time and time again that he is unwilling or unable to do so.
As we mourn the victims of the El Paso and Dayton shootings, we must also hold our leaders accountable for their words and actions. It is time for Trump to put aside his ego and work towards a more united and peaceful future for all Americans.
