Trump Labels Opponents “Enemy from Within,” Calls Them More Dangerous than Foreign Adversaries

Former President Donald Trump has recently made headlines with his remarks about adversaries within the United States government. During an interview on Fox Business' "Sunday Morning Futures," Trump referred to individuals who have opposed or investigated him as "the enemy from within," suggesting that they pose a greater threat to the nation than foreign adversaries like Russia and China.

Trump's Criticism of Political Opponents

In the interview, Trump did not hold back in criticizing prominent political figures, specifically targeting California Representative Adam Schiff. He labeled Schiff as a "lunatic" and accused him of being "the enemy from within." Schiff, who was the lead prosecutor in Trump's first Senate impeachment trial and is currently the Democratic nominee for Senate, was singled out for Trump's scathing remarks. When asked how he would handle bureaucrats who might undermine him in a potential second term, Trump expressed his view that the internal threats are more dangerous than external ones. According to him, "the enemy from within, in my opinion, is more dangerous than China, Russia and all these countries." Trump's comments suggest a deep-seated belief that those who oppose him domestically pose a more significant challenge to his presidency than foreign adversaries.

Rhetoric Against Critics and Political Rivals

As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Trump has intensified his rhetoric against those who oppose him. He has labeled individuals such as Vice President Kamala Harris as criminals and characterized speech critical of him or his policies as illegal. This pattern of labeling opponents in such stark terms aligns with Trump's historical approach, as he has consistently employed this rhetorical strategy in his past campaigns. Trump's comments during the Fox Business interview mirrored statements he made at a rally in Coachella, California, where he again referred to Schiff as "shifty" and "the enemy from within." He further denounced Schiff by accusing him of conceiving the "Russia hoax" and describing him as "a sick person." Trump's choice of words and accusatory tone highlight his ongoing feud with political adversaries.

Schiff's Response and Trump's Longstanding Rivalry

In response to Trump's derogatory remarks, Adam Schiff's campaign pointed to a series of tweets the Democratic congressman posted. Schiff characterized Trump's comments as "nonsensical rants" filled with "tired insults" and "lies about voting booths." He also expressed bewilderment at Trump's apparent obsession with him, questioning the former president's preoccupation with his persona. The strained relationship between Trump and Schiff dates back to the congressman's role as one of the impeachment managers in Trump's first impeachment in 2019. Trump's criticisms of Schiff extend beyond the political arena, as he has previously referred to the congressman as "shifty" and accused him of improperly investigating Trump's ties to Russia during the impeachment inquiry. This longstanding rivalry has played out in the public sphere as both figures engage in a war of words.

Congressional Actions and Trump's Allegations

Trump's criticisms of Schiff are not limited to his own statements but have also garnered support from House Republicans. The House Republicans have aligned themselves with Trump in their disapproval of Schiff's actions during the California Senate race. They even went as far as censuring Schiff on the House floor in 2023, accusing him of misrepresenting special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into the 2016 Trump campaign's contacts with Russia. In the interview, Trump reiterated his allegations against Schiff, claiming that the congressman posed a danger to the country through what he described as a "phony, made-up deal" involving Russia. Trump's comments reflect his belief that Schiff's actions had the potential to endanger national security, showcasing the depth of his animosity toward the Democratic congressman. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Trump's inflammatory rhetoric and long-standing rivalries show no signs of abating. The former president's characterization of domestic adversaries as greater threats than foreign adversaries has ignited further debate and division within the political sphere, underscoring the contentious nature of contemporary American politics.