By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On Friday, Donald Trump backed his vice-president’s unsubstantiated claim that Renee Good, killed by an ICE agent, was connected to a “leftwing network” seeking to provoke violence against federal agents. The president pointed to a witness screaming “shame” in a video of the incident, labeling the individual a “paid agitator”. Trump has repeatedly accused those protesting his mass deportation campaign of being paid operatives. He stated that the witness’s reaction was indicative of a professional agitator, and emphasized his support for ICE, border patrol, and law enforcement.
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Trump repeats baseless claim that Renee Good was part of ‘leftwing network’ of paid agitators is unfortunately, not surprising. It’s a phrase we’ve heard far too often, a tactic straight out of the political playbook: accuse your opponents of what you yourself are guilty of. In this instance, the accusation is that Renee Good, a woman who was tragically killed, was part of a “leftwing network” of paid agitators. The core problem here, aside from the outright falsehood, is the implication that this, even if true, somehow justifies her death.
Trump’s rhetoric often leans on the strategy of “projection.” He accuses others of the very things he and his allies are doing, or planning to do. This isn’t just a political misstep; it’s a symptom of a deeper, troubling pattern. Consider the accusation of paid agitators. It’s almost certain that the former president’s own rallies have utilized paid attendees. The insinuation is clear: if someone is paid to attend a rally or protest, their actions are somehow less legitimate. Yet, even if Good had been a paid activist – a claim utterly lacking evidence – it would not warrant the actions of ICE agents that led to her death.
Even if we were to humor the notion that she was paid, it’s a critical point to remember that protesting is a constitutionally protected right. It’s a foundational principle in a democracy. You can’t execute someone for exercising their First Amendment rights. The very idea is antithetical to the principles this country supposedly holds. The former president and his supporters seem to have difficulty understanding that freedom and justice are their own rewards; they struggle to grasp the idea of individuals acting based on their own convictions, rather than for financial gain.
The comments surrounding this claim also expose the hypocrisy at play. The right seems to have no issue with right-wing agitators. The comments illustrate a deep-seated bias. This is an admission that this is what they believe. The fact that the administration is comfortable with this kind of rhetoric is more evidence of an administration that believes that being an activist justifies cold-blooded murder is horrifying in itself.
The response to this kind of rhetoric is essential. It’s important to remember that every accusation is a confession. The constant barrage of misinformation, the reliance on conspiracy theories, and the demonization of anyone who opposes them are all part of a larger strategy. This strategy relies on people not thinking for themselves, but rather, believing what they are told. This is how the former president has held onto power for as long as he has.
There’s also a fundamental issue with the narrative: what exactly constitutes “agitating?” It’s a vague term easily manipulated to paint anyone critical of the administration as a threat. We need to be vigilant about protecting the right to protest, the right to free speech, and the right to question authority. They are essential to a free society, even if those in power don’t like it.
Moreover, the attempt to discredit Good and, by extension, the circumstances of her death, highlights a disturbing trend. By inventing outlandish conspiracy theories, those in Trump’s orbit try to avoid confronting the fact that she was murdered by ICE agents. This cognitive dissonance necessitates the embrace of increasingly outlandish narratives to protect their fragile worldviews. It’s a desperate attempt to deflect responsibility, and a sign of weakness, not strength.
Trump’s comments also reinforce the notion that he lives in a self-reinforcing echo chamber. The former president is just throwing his MAGA base a lifeline. The entire movement is bought and paid for. In essence, he’s running on fumes, fueled by the propaganda of his own party. The former president’s actions and words are not based on reality. The truth doesn’t matter. This is why this kind of rhetoric is so dangerous. He’s running off the fumes of his own party’s propaganda.
The need for accountability is paramount. An investigation and serious consequences for those involved are vital. We must not allow the erosion of our fundamental rights or the normalization of violence against those who express dissent.