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California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter has sparked controversy after sending a fundraising email that included the phrase “F*** Trump” four times, including in the subject line. The email was sent just one day after the third assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, which occurred at the White House Correspondents Association dinner on Saturday.
The inflammatory email made no reference to the assassination attempt that had taken place only hours earlier. “Today, I wanna start with one simple, powerful message we all agree on,” the email read. “Say it with me. Ready, 1 … 2 … 3 … F Trump.” It continued: “Yeah, that’s right, F Trump. Together, we’re going to kick Trump’s a** in November and stop him in his tracks.”
Writer and social media influencer Bethany Mandel shared the email publicly, commenting, “Imagine Barack Obama surviving three assassination attempts and 18 hours later, a Republican sent a fundraising email like this.”
The timing of Porter’s message has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents. Republican National Committee spokesman Nick Poche condemned Porter’s email in a statement to Fox News Digital, calling her a “degenerate loser who is sick in the head” and suggesting that Democratic candidates are “fanning the flames of violence” after an assassination attempt.
This incident adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding Porter’s campaign. The former congresswoman has previously faced scrutiny for her temperament, including incidents where she was reportedly caught on video shouting and using expletives at a staff member. In another instance, she allegedly threatened to quit during an interview with a journalist. These behavioral concerns have raised questions about her fitness to serve as California’s governor.
The email controversy comes at a time of heightened political tensions in the United States. Just days before the assassination attempt, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described Democrats as being in an “era of maximum warfare,” rhetoric that Republicans have criticized but Jeffries has not retracted even after the incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
The recent attempt on Trump’s life at the Correspondents’ Dinner, where attendees were seen ducking under tables for safety, marks the third such threat against the former president. The incident occurred in Washington, DC, as journalists, celebrities, and politicians gathered for the annual event.
Political analysts note that campaign rhetoric has become increasingly heated in recent months as the November election approaches. The use of explicit language in official campaign communications, particularly in the aftermath of a violent incident, represents a concerning trend in American political discourse.
Porter, who previously represented California’s 47th congressional district, is competing in a crowded field to replace Governor Gavin Newsom when his term ends. Her campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the controversial email.
As the California gubernatorial race continues to unfold, this incident highlights the broader concerns about the tone and tenor of political campaigns in an already deeply divided nation. Political observers worry that such inflammatory rhetoric could further escalate tensions during what is expected to be a contentious election season.
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5 Comments
Fundraising off a recent assassination attempt, even indirectly, is concerning. Elected officials should be focused on security, healing, and bringing people together, not divisive rhetoric. The timing of this email raises serious questions about judgment and priorities.
Exactly. This is a sensitive time that requires thoughtful, responsible leadership. Stoking further division and controversy is counterproductive and disrespectful to the situation.
This is an unfortunate situation. While strong political rhetoric can be justified, the timing of this fundraising email seems insensitive given the recent assassination attempt. Elected officials should be mindful of their words, especially in the aftermath of violence.
I agree. Elected leaders need to strike a more unifying tone and avoid inflammatory language, even when criticizing political opponents. This does not seem like the right approach.
While freedom of speech is important, elected representatives should exercise discretion, especially following a violent incident. This email seems ill-advised and risks further escalating political tensions. I hope the candidate and their team will reflect on more constructive ways to engage the public.