The Hartmann Report Daily Take: “Send Them Back” Is the Oldest Racial Taunt in History, and Now It’s Being Amplified by Trump
Feb 26, 2026
A focused look at how racist rhetoric is being used to exclude elected officials of color and remake who belongs in American democracy. Discussion of dehumanization tactics that provoke violence and chill dissent. Analysis of authoritarian playbooks that redirect public anxiety toward scapegoats. A rallying call for unity, diversity, and defending democratic norms.
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Trump Uses Oldest Racial Taunt As Political Weapon
- Donald Trump weaponizes racist tropes to dehumanize elected officials of color and critics, urging they be "sent back" and calling them mentally deranged.
- Thom Hartmann links this to a deliberate authoritarian tactic that turns economic grievance into targeted hate to mobilize violent followers.
Ilhan Omar's Refugee Journey And Citizenship
- Hartmann recounts Ilhan Omar's refugee arrival and citizenship process as evidence she belongs unequivocally.
- He contrasts that with Trump questioning her right to be here, showing the rhetoric's dishonesty.
Dehumanizing Rhetoric Activates Violent Followers
- Hartmann frames Trump's attacks as activating a violent subset of his base by portraying opponents as alien and dangerous.
- He cites real-world consequences: past assassination attempts and murders tied to political grievance-driven violence.