Conservative columnist Mona Charen has argued that Donald Trump helped create a political climate in which violent rhetoric has become increasingly normalised, saying the President "can't be surprised" that he has himself become the target of assassination plots. Speaking during a television panel discussion, Charen said political leaders bear responsibility for the tone they set, warning that inflammatory language can have lasting consequences across American public life. Sharp Criticism From Within the Right Charen said many conservatives overlooked concerns about Trump's character during his first presidential campaign, believing his combative style outweighed questions over his conduct. She argued that the calculation had proved costly, claiming repeated inflammatory rhetoric had contributed to a broader culture in which political violence is more readily accepted. "When you incite violence and normalise violence, you can't be surprised if there's blowback," she said. Security Fears Reach Washington's Institutions The comments came as Supreme Court justices renewed calls for increased security funding amid growing concerns over threats against members of the judiciary. Justice Amy Coney Barrett used a congressional hearing to describe threats directed at her and her family, while Justice Elena Kagan also appealed for additional protection, underscoring wider concerns about the deteriorating security environment surrounding public officials. Violence Becomes a Political Flashpoint Asked about multiple reported assassination attempts targeting Trump, Charen pointed to past episodes in which she said the former president and members of his family responded insensitively to attacks on political opponents. She cited online reactions following the assault on Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, arguing that mocking acts of violence erodes standards of political discourse and deepens national divisions. Warning Over America's Political Climate Charen also criticised public celebrations of violence in other high-profile criminal cases, arguing that partisan loyalties increasingly shape public reactions to acts of political extremism. Drawing a contrast with the late Senator John McCain, she said American politics has become markedly more confrontational, with restraint and civility giving way to escalating hostility. Her warning adds to a growing debate over whether increasingly toxic political rhetoric is fuelling a dangerous cycle of threats and violence across the United States. Trump reaping what he sowed — and he 'can't be surprised if there's blowback': analysis
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