Study Uncovers Disturbing Rise of Political Violence Rhetoric Among Left-Wing Activists During Trump’s Presidency

Study Uncovers Disturbing Rise of Political Violence Rhetoric Among Left-Wing Activists During Trump’s Presidency

A shocking new report indicates that violent political rhetoric—including calls for the assassination of figures like President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk—is becoming increasingly normalized among some left-wing circles. This chilling trend appears to be escalating in recent months, raising serious concerns about the intersection of political discourse and violence.

The report, produced by the Network Contagion Research Institute, reveals a troubling acceptance of violence as a means to achieve political goals. Lead author Joel Finkelstein noted that behaviors once deemed unacceptable are now gaining traction. He stated that society is witnessing a dramatic transformation in norms around political violence, which the study uniquely identifies as an emerging “assassination culture.”

The NCRI study traced this cultural shift back to the December 2024 assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson by Luigi Mangione. Following this violent act, a surge of memes catapulted Mangione to folk-hero status, creating a troubling precedent. This rise in online glorification of violence has also led to copycat incidents targeting political figures perceived to embody wealth or conservative values.

Memes and the Cultivation of a Dangerous Culture

Finkelstein emphasized that the phenomenon extends beyond a single individual. With names like Trump and Musk now openly discussed in the context of political violence, the implications are daunting. He explained that memes and online dialogue are not just casual discussions; they contribute to a climate that legitimizes violence.

One stark manifestation of this emerging ideology can be traced to a recently proposed California ballot measure ominously titled the Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act. This initiative stands as a testament to the real-world consequences of online rhetoric.

Survey Results Illuminate Troubling Beliefs

NCRI conducted a nationally representative survey of over 1,200 adults, yielding alarming insights. Approximately 38 percent of respondents indicated that they found murder to be at least “somewhat justified” in the case of Donald Trump, while 31 percent felt similarly about Elon Musk. Among left-leaning respondents, justification for violence against Trump jumped to 55 percent, with 48 percent endorsing violence against Musk.

Finkelstein pointed out that these beliefs are interlinked and part of a larger ideological framework characterized by what he describes as left-wing authoritarianism. The data show that these views are not merely outliers; they reflect a troubling consensus among those who adopt radical rhetoric.

Political Violence as a Symptom of Broader Frustrations

The study highlights a concerning trend in attitudes toward property destruction as well. Nearly four in ten respondents endorsed vandalism against Tesla dealerships, with self-identified leftists exhibiting significantly higher support for such actions. Finkelstein remarked that sentiments around property destruction are tightly intertwined with support for political assassinations and violence.

Tesla has emerged as a symbol of broader societal frustrations surrounding capitalism and conservative political power. Destroying physical property becomes not just an act of protest but a performance—a bold assertion of identity within a radical in-group.

The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Extremism

The study identifies social media platform BlueSky as a major facilitator of extremist ideation. Initially intended as a safe haven for progressive discourse, it has veered into a space that echoes the ideological extremism once prevalent in far-right forums. New research shows BlueSky has experienced a significant influx of posts discussing Mangione, Trump, and Musk, contributing to a dangerous online environment.

Finkelstein suggested that the psychological underpinnings of this “assassination culture” are complex. Ideological radicalism, paired with feelings of disenfranchisement, fuels this transformation. He explained that when people feel powerless and excluded from societal progress, they become vulnerable to radical ideas and justifications for violence.

Leadership Crucial to Countering Escalation

While some level of violent rhetoric exists across the political spectrum, Finkelstein noted that statistical data reveal a pronounced endorsement of political violence among left-leaning individuals, exceeding that of their right-leaning counterparts. This troubling trend raises critical questions about how political leaders address and mitigate the spread of such ideologies.

Finkelstein firmly believes that censorship alone will not put an end to the rising assassination culture. Instead, he argues that strong leadership and a clear moral stance against these trends could facilitate a significant cultural shift. It is essential for leaders within progressive circles to openly condemn violent rhetoric and to redefine societal norms surrounding political discourse.

The NCRI’s report concludes with a sobering warning. The absorption of assassination ideation into everyday conversation is progressively seeping into real-world violence. From attacks on property to serious threats against public officials, the research suggests that political violence is no longer an isolated phenomenon; it is becoming a recognized norm in specific online communities.

Finkelstein emphasized the urgency of recognizing these disturbing trends. As ideological imbalances continue to reshape the political landscape, understanding the dynamics of radicalization becomes critical. The first step in addressing these challenges is acknowledging their existence and the dire need for proactive measures to curb this cultural tide.

The Network Contagion Research Institute categorizes itself as a neutral and independent body focused on identifying and reporting cyber-social threats in a timely manner. As these dangerous patterns emerge, the importance of their research cannot be overstated.