Trump addresses violence in America with presidential 'I know you are but what am I' doctrine

Donald Trump.
(Image credit: Screenshot/Twitter/ABC News)

When it comes to answering the question of who is to blame for politically motivated violence in the United States, President Trump is adhering to an age-old proverb: "I know you are, but what am I?"

On Friday, an ABC reporter asked Trump about a new poll that reveals about half of Americans believe he is encouraging violence with his rhetoric. "You know what? You're creating violence by your question," Trump shot back. He repeatedly pointed to reporter Karen Travers to make clear that he was calling her out specifically.

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Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.