—Pope Leo XIV, interview with Crux’s Elise Ann Allen, 14 September 2025

Congress should condemn Trump’s violent rhetoric

President Trump has threatened six members of Congress, all veterans of the military or intelligence agencies, calling them seditious traitors for posting a video that reminds members of the military of their responsibilities under their oath of office or enlistment. His messages on social media have called for their imprisonment and death; he also has reposted others’ threats, including one to hang them. At least one person has responded with a bomb threat against Senator Slotkin of Michigan, one of the six in the video. This whole cycle started in response to the administration’s attacks on civilian seacraft in international waters, based on unfounded accusations of drug trafficking, and preparations for military engagement with Venezuela.

Any elected official, and especially the president, should be above violent rhetoric that creates dangerous conditions for anyone, especially when the inciting behavior is the protection of rights and adherence to laws. This type of response can have a broad chilling effect on the exercise of the First Amendment right to free speech, making reasoned dissent and nonviolent protest dangerous activities subject to government suppression. The Critical Concern of Nonviolence is a longstanding principle of the Sisters of Mercy, and it’s imperative that our voice reach congressional leaders to call out how unacceptable the president’s violent speech and actions have been. 

Please use the draft email in the grey box at right (below on mobile devices) to urge your members of Congress to speak publicly in defense of their colleagues and against violent rhetoric and preparations for war in the Caribbean.