This week, the Pentagon made headlines by deciding not to send representatives to the Aspen Security Forum, a renowned annual gathering of national security professionals held in the picturesque Colorado mountains. This decision reflects a growing trend within the Trump administration, as officials explicitly stated they would not engage with individuals who subscribe to the “evil of globalism.” This marks a notable shift, as it may be the first instance in U.S. military history where globalization has been included on the enemies list.
President Trump has been vocal in his condemnation of various opponents, labeling them as "evil." Just last week, he publicly denounced a reporter as a “very evil person” for posing a question that he found unfavorable. This week, he escalated his rhetoric by characterizing Democrats as “an evil group of people.” The word “evil” has significantly permeated his discourse during his second term, illustrating a broader strategy of demonization against his critics.
In the current political landscape, it is no longer sufficient to simply disagree with opposing viewpoints. Under Trump’s leadership, anyone perceived as critical of the president is often labeled as wicked. This framing transforms the administration’s policy pursuits into a moral crusade against supposed forces of darkness. Such characterizations create a justification for actions that might typically be seen as extreme or unacceptable.
Trump’s narrative positions his adversaries not merely as political rivals but as villains, allowing him to rationalize unprecedented actions. For instance, he recently instructed a cabinet secretary to contemplate imprisoning her predecessor from the Biden administration due to disagreements over immigration policies. Additionally, Trump suggested that he might strip Rosie O’Donnell of her citizenship for the sole reason of criticizing him.
Demonization has been a consistent theme in Trump’s political strategy since he first announced his candidacy in 2015. His initial campaign was marked by derogatory comments aimed at immigrants, whom he described as “rapists,” and a promise to bar all Muslims from entering the United States. During that campaign, chants of “lock her up” directed at his opponent, Hillary Clinton, became a rallying cry among his supporters.
As Trump seeks to reestablish his power, he has increasingly focused on identifying and eliminating the “enemy from within,” a term he used during last year’s campaign. His second term has seen a concerted effort to prosecute perceived enemies, purge career officials deemed disloyal, and dismantle what he labels as the deep state—a shadowy entity he claims obstructed his policies and pursued criminal charges against him after leaving office.
The shift in rhetoric and policy under the Trump administration signifies a dramatic change in how political discourse is conducted in the United States. By framing opposition as evil, the administration not only seeks to justify extreme measures but also fosters a climate of fear and division. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this approach will likely resonate for years to come.
