Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) destroyed President Donald Trump for remarks he made at a campaign rally in the state on Saturday, noting that the president was again fomenting the sort of violence that prompted militia members to plot her kidnapping and assassination.
Speaking in Muskegon, Michigan, Trump urged his supporters to force Whitmer to reopen the Wolverine State and mandate that children be sent back to school. He also mocked her for imposing a protective mask mandate in the state, which prompted the crowd to chant “Lock her up!” a frequent refrain in the 2016 presidential race that was used against Hillary Clinton.
Rather than discourage such chants, Trump told supporters on Saturday:
“Lock ’em all up.”
On Twitter, Gov. Whitmer referenced Trump’s comments and reminded him that words can lead to actions:
This is exactly the rhetoric that has put me, my family, and other government officials’ lives in danger while we try to save the lives of our fellow Americans. It needs to stop. https://t.co/EWkNQx3Ppx
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) October 17, 2020
A member of Whitmer’s staff also warned that such hate coming from the president only serves to give people ideas:
I am the Governor’s Deputy Digital Director. I see everything that is said about and to her online.
Every single time the President does this at a rally, the violent rhetoric towards her immediately escalates on social media.
It has to stop. It just has to. https://t.co/eupQXzGydN
— Tori Saylor (@tori_saylor) October 17, 2020
Twitter users also joined in condemning Trump’s latest hateful incitement to violence:
Gov. Whitmer: I live in FL, but I was born and raised in NY, one hr from NY City. I grew up watching him “evolve” into this creature we have in the White House. Americans are doing their duty at the polls. Even those who drank the kool-aid in 2016. Patience! He will be gone!
— Nancy Durkin (@nandurkin) October 17, 2020
I cringe every time he opens his stupid orange shit filled mouth. There goes my foul mouth again. Sorry. He needs to be locked up! 2 more weeks, I hope people’s eyes are open, and their not blindly voting. Stay safe! Thank you for all you’ve done. You’re amazing. 💕
— AJ (@amberjack36) October 17, 2020
I’m sorry that the president is so disrespectful and is inciting such hatred in our great state! You’re CDC guidance saved many Michiganders! Soon enough Trumps rhetoric will no longer set back the progress we’ve made! Wear a mask and the economy will thrive sooner!
— Natalie Reilly🇺🇸 (@gymnat545) October 18, 2020
I am so saddened by this! What has become of our country? Where is the compassion, empathy and dignity we once had? This is why good people are hard pressed to take on any public roll. The one who needs to be “locked up” is the man behind the podium for inciting such hatred.
— Teri Petrie (@mamaeagle2) October 18, 2020
A reminder: There are only 16 days left until the election. No matter what state you live in, get out and VOTE like your life depends on it.
Featured Image Via CNN
