Donald Trump’s recent reference to his political opponents as Vermin has sparked criticism – both from within his own party and from the White House. On Sunday afternoon, the president tweeted an attack on the media, accusing them of being an enemy of the people. Along with the tweet, Trump included the definition of the word vermin, which was defined as any of various small, destructive, obnoxious creatures, especially rodents.
The comment drew immediate criticism from White House staff who felt that Trump’s reference to his opponents as rodents was inappropriate and petty. Sarah Sanders, the Press Secretary, said in a statement that the President’s comments about the role of the press are meant to be taken in context and with full understanding of the environment to which they are being made. Some within the GOP, including prominent Trump supporters Lindsey Graham and Ben Sasse, also expressed disapproval of the president’s comments.
Trump’s language may also draw scrutiny from independent organizations. The Anti-Defamation League has already taken a stand against the terms used by the President, condemning the language as inflammatory and wrong. The potential implications of the President’s language have yet to be fully realized, although it’s possible that some of his more extreme comments could be seen as grounds for censure or other forms of punishment.
In a modern political climate where division and discord are the norm, Trump’s vermin comment underscores the heightened language in which the two parties are communicating. Both sides of the aisle should be aware of the implications of inflammatory speech, and instead strive to foster respectful dialogue even in times of disagreement.
