Trump has shared a controversial video featuring a manipulated image of President Biden
bound and restrained, marking a disturbing turn in the tone of political discourse.
The video, posted on Friday to Trump's Truth Social platform, depicts an image of Biden with his hands and feet tied together.
Trump claimed the video was filmed during his visit to Long Island, where he attended the wake of a slain New York City police officer.
The video showcases two trucks adorned with Trump flags and decals, with the second vehicle displaying the unsettling image of Biden in restraints.
Such macabre imagery targeting Trump's perceived adversaries is not uncommon among right-wing circles and pro-Trump factions, often circulating online and even appearing at conservative events.
Photos of trucks featuring similar depictions of Biden have circulated on social media, with online vendors selling stickers featuring the image.
This promotion of the video reflects Trump's penchant for caustic and personal attacks against Biden, continuing a pattern of using violent imagery on his social media platforms.
Such behavior has drawn criticism, with Michael Tyler, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign, highlighting Trump's history of inciting political violence, referencing the January 6th Capitol insurrection.
In response, Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, defended the video, claiming it was merely an image on a passing pickup truck.
Cheung also pointed to past statements made by Democrats to deflect criticism, including a remark by Biden from 2018 referencing a hypothetical physical altercation with Trump.
Trump has a track record of posting manipulated media depicting him attacking political opponents, with a particular focus on Biden.
Such tactics extend beyond digital content, as seen in a photo last year showing Trump holding a baseball bat next to the Manhattan district attorney, who is involved in a legal case against Trump.
Moreover, Trump's rhetoric on the campaign trail has taken an increasingly authoritarian tone, with disparaging remarks about migrants and political opponents, likening them to "vermin" and suggesting they be "rooted out." His recent comments characterizing migrants as "not people" and warning of a "bloodbath" if he were to lose the election further illustrate this divisive rhetoric.
In a radio interview, Trump also targeted Jewish Democrats, accusing them of betraying their religion and Israel by supporting the Democratic Party.
Overall, Trump's embrace of such inflammatory rhetoric and imagery underscores the deep polarization within American politics.

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