North Carolina Democrat Richard Ojeda is facing mounting criticism after a video from March 2022, in which he expressed a desire to ‘kick the s—‘ out of senior Trump advisor Stephen Miller, resurfaced online. The incident has intensified scrutiny over his inflammatory rhetoric, with the White House and Republicans condemning his comments as promoting political violence. Ojeda, a veteran who served in the 82nd Airborne Division, has denied advocating for violence, instead citing his military experience and frustrations with figures like Miller.
The White House spokesperson, Kush Desai, remarked that Democrats who support political violence are not new, and urged Ojeda to seek help. Meanwhile, Ojeda defended his remarks, stating they reflected his anger toward the actions of political figures such as Miller, whom he has called a ‘racist.’ He emphasized that political violence has no place in society, drawing upon his own experiences with physical attacks during his political career.
Public backlash against Ojeda’s comments has also sparked broader discussions about the dangers of violent political rhetoric, especially in the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination and multiple assassination attempts on President Trump. Democrats have warned that violent language can lead to violence, and the issue has become a focal point in political discourse. Ojeda, who is running for Congress in North Carolina, has raised a substantial amount of money in the upcoming primary, despite the controversy.