“If Someone Gets Hurt, He Needs To Be Incarcerated”: Legal Expert Discredits Trump’s Attempt to Evade Responsibility for Inciting Violent Threats

Gabriel RomanDec 1, 2023

Minute Read

In a startling turn of events this Thanksgiving, former President Donald Trump made an outburst against Judge Arthur Engoron, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and courthouse staff. This has sparked widespread criticism. This incident, detailed on Joyce Vance’s “Civil Discourse” Substack platform, highlights the increasing threats following Trump’s posts on Truth Social.

Vance Challenges Trump’s Absolution from Responsibility

Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance has openly criticized Donald Trump’s claims of non-responsibility for escalating threats against judicial staff. Trump’s Thanksgiving rant has catalyzed menacing behavior, especially toward courthouse employees. This has prompted Vance to label his defense as “laughable.”

DOJ Steps In Amid Rising Threats

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As the gravity of the situation escalates, the Department of Justice has taken action. They filed an urgent appeal to the Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia, seeking intervention as the intensity and frequency of threats grow. These have particularly focused on Alison Greenfield, Judge Engoron’s principal law clerk.

Alison Greenfield’s Distress Under Unrelenting Threats

The ordeal Greenfield faced directly resulted from Donald Trump’s incendiary comments. Vance sheds light on the terrifying reality Greenfield endures, receiving overwhelming calls and messages. Many are laced with antisemitism. This relentless harassment exposes the dangerous environment created by Trump’s inflammatory language.

Documenting the Torrent of Harassment

The situation Greenfield faced has led to a staggering collection of evidence. Vance claims that Greenfield’s sheer volume of threatening communications has resulted in a compilation of “275 single-spaced pages.” This immense record of harassment underscores the extent of the deliberate attack orchestrated by Trump.

Vance on the Capricious Danger of Trump’s Wrath

Vance spoke about the unpredictable and hazardous nature of Trump’s language. She warned that it could hurt anyone, not just those directly involved in legal actions against him. Her insights paint a picture of a society where ordinary individuals might accidentally become targets of Trump’s ire.

Trump’s Refusal to Acknowledge Consequences

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In the face of growing evidence, Trump remains firm in his refusal to accept responsibility for the actions incited by his rhetoric. Joyce Vance criticizes this denial as a weak evasion of accountability. She argues that Trump’s continued dismissal of the real impact of his words on his followers is no longer possible.

Persisting Threat of Trump’s Rhetorical Influence

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Vance expresses deep concern over the ongoing threat posed by Trump’s language. Vance drew attention to the past instances where individuals like the election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss faced similar harassment. This pattern of targeting and intimidating people illustrates the far-reaching and detrimental effects of Trump’s conduct.

Escalating Public Condemnation of Trump

The public’s response to Trump’s inflammatory statements is increasingly angry. One user shared their concern, saying, “When is someone going to stop this creature before his vulgar name-calling causes an innocent American to be murdered?” This outcry reflects a fear that Trump’s unchecked words could escalate into actual violence.

Advocacy for Stronger Judicial Safeguards

The call for protective measures for the judiciary is gaining momentum. A social media comment shows this feeling, saying, “The appellate courts and Supreme Court should support and stand by… these very basic principles and not toy with excusing this criminal conduct on some hyper-extended rationalized interpretation of free speech.”

Historical Parallels Drawn in Criticism

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Trump’s language is compared to some of history’s most notorious figures. One comment states, “Trump called me ‘vermin,’ just like Hitler dehumanized those he wanted to violently scapegoat.” Such comparisons underline the severity of Trump’s language, with people drawing parallels to historical instances of hate speech leading to dire consequences.

Highlighting Security Disparities

A notable point of controversy is the security given to Trump and his family compared to those he targets. One user remarks, “The orange clown would be singing a different tune about threats if his family didn’t have Secret Service protection.” This highlights the apparent imbalance in how threats are addressed, depending on who is at the receiving end.

Desperate Calls to Counter Trump’s Actions

The severity of Trump’s actions prompts some to label him as a “cruel American Traitor.” many have made urgent calls for intervention to stop Trump from making such comments. This reflects a growing sentiment that decisive action is required to prevent further harm caused by Trump’s conduct.

Concerns Over Trump’s Influence on His Base

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Criticism extends to Trump’s followers, with comments like “There are far too many weak-minded MAGAs that are more than willing to be manipulated by Trump.” This shows the worry that Trump’s influence could lead his supporters to commit acts of violence. It reflects concerns about the potential for his words to incite real-world harm.

Demands for Legal Repercussions for Trump

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In light of his incendiary rhetoric, there is a growing chorus for Trump’s imprisonment. A user asserts, “Trump is a coward and is provoking his magat to commit violence for him. If someone gets hurt, he needs to be incarcerated at Rikers Island, where he’ll find plenty of violent people.” This reflects a desire to see Trump face real consequences for his actions.

Critique of Law Enforcement’s Response

The response of law enforcement to threats made by and against Trump is being questioned, with concerns about a double standard. One comment asked, “If anyone were to make threats towards Trump would be arrested. Why can this man attack people verbally and not be punished?” This highlights the apparent inequality in handling threats.

Doubts About Trump’s Leadership Abilities

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Amidst the controversy, Trump’s fitness to lead is being seriously questioned. Comments express doubts about his mental stability and suitability for governance. These comments are part of a broader skepticism about his ability to lead the country responsibly, with many raising doubts about his suitability.

Proposal for Trump to Bear Security Costs

Some users made a more practical suggestion. They believe Trump should be responsible for the security costs incurred due to his threats. This idea reflects a desire to hold Trump accountable for the repercussions of his actions, especially in protecting judicial officials involved in his cases.

Intensified Criminal Allegations Against Trump

The debate culminates in heightened criminal allegations against Trump. Calls for revoking his bail and detaining him, particularly for his threats against prosecutor Jack Smith, are gaining traction. This signifies a growing impatience with Trump’s behavior and a demand for legal accountability.