The mainstream media ran with headlines asserting Trump said there would be a “bloodbath” if he loses the election, although he was clearly talking in economic terms.
The 45th president made the comments during a speech in ahead of Ohio’s primary on Tuesday.
In a headline that was typical of the coverage, CNBC reported, ‘Trump says there will be a ‘bloodbath’ if he loses the election’ and others followed suit.
However, Trump’s full comments actually make clear he was referring to the economy and the issue of China, Mexico and the auto industry.
“If you’re listening, President Xi — and you and I are friends — but he understands the way I deal. Those big monster car manufacturing plants that you’re building in Mexico right now…you’re going to not hire Americans and you’re going to sell the cars to us, no. We’re going to put a 100% tariff on every single car that comes across the line, and you’re not going to be able to sell those cars if I get elected,” Trump said.
“Now if I don’t get elected, it’s going to be a bloodbath for the whole — that’s gonna be the least of it,” he added. “It’s going to be a bloodbath for the country. That will be the least of it. But they’re not going to sell those cars. They’re building massive factories,” he added.
With this context stripped out, countless Americans will actually believe Trump was threatening some kind of violence if he loses, including Keith Olbermann, who hilariously claimed it was a “terrorist threat”.
Hellbound and Down 