Linguists break down how Trump’s language shifted in the weeks leading up to the Capitol riot

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On Jan. 6, the world witnessed how language can incite violence. 

One after another, a series of speakers at the “Save America” rally at the Ellipse in Washington redoubled the messages of anger and outrage.

This rhetoric culminated with a directive by the president to go to the Capitol building to embolden Republicans in Congress to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

“Fight like hell,” President Donald Trump implored his supporters. “And if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.” Continue reading.