
Victor Davis Hanson exposes how left-wing violent rhetoric against President Trump escapes accountability solely because elites control the media, fueling a dangerous climate even in his second term.
Story Snapshot
- Hanson, Hoover Institution expert, blasts Democrats and celebrities for unchecked threats tied to Trump assassination attempts.
- Media bias shields leftists, allowing spite-driven attacks to suppress Trump’s poll numbers without consequence.
- Patterns from 2016 resurface “in a more frenzied fashion,” linking rhetoric to real violence risks.
- Trump’s resilience despite odds highlights deep state frustrations shared across political lines.
Hanson’s Core Critique
Hoover Institution Senior Fellow Victor Davis Hanson appeared on “Ed Henry The Big Take” to dissect violent rhetoric from Democrats and celebrities. He directly linked it to events like recent attempts on President Trump’s life. Hanson stated perpetrators face no accountability because “they control the media, basically.” This shield enables efforts to defeat Trump at the polls out of pure spite. The segment aired on a Friday amid heightened political tensions.
Historical Patterns of Rhetoric
Celebrity threats against Trump trace back to 2016, with figures like Madonna and Moby calling for violence. These statements gained little media scrutiny during his first term from 2017 to 2021. Hanson notes the rhetoric has returned “in a more frenzied fashion” post-2024 campaign successes. Despite financial disadvantages and outspending by opponents, Trump prevailed, provoking escalation. This revival ties to broader ambitions for a “full-fledged military, political, social, economic, cultural revolution” against his America First agenda.
Stakeholders and Power Dynamics
Key players include Hanson as media bias critic, host Ed Henry facilitating the exchange, and left-leaning figures motivated to drive down Trump’s numbers. The Hoover Institution bolsters Hanson’s military history expertise from works like The Case for Trump. Trump emerges as the resilient target overcoming hostility. Power tilts as media controllers protect their own, shielding rhetoric while conservatives amplify counter-narratives. Both sides grow frustrated with elite priorities over citizen needs like affordable energy and secure borders.
Current Developments and Impacts
Recent triggers include the latest attempt on Trump’s life, prompting Hanson’s analysis alongside Iran strikes and stable oil prices from Russian sanctions. He predicts opponents will concede or lash out under pressure. Short-term, rhetoric fosters a violence climate and poll suppression. Long-term, it normalizes threats, erodes media trust, and risks societal “annihilation” per Hanson’s themes. Trump supporters face heightened dangers, deepening divides felt by Americans on left and right weary of deep state corruption.
Conservative platforms like Ed Henry’s show gain traction as media credibility crumbles. This reinforces shared bipartisan distrust in government failing the American Dream of hard work and initiative. In 2026, with Republicans holding Congress, such exposures demand accountability to restore traditional values.
Sources:
fter assassination attempt, White House blames …
Victor Davis Hanson — Hoover Institution Profile


















