In a recent turn of events, former President Donald J. Trump has attempted to shift blame for the increasingly volatile political climate onto his Democratic opponents. Trump's move comes in response to accusations that he poses a "threat to democracy," which he now claims have resulted in two assassination attempts against him.

During a rally in Las Vegas, Trump described the United States as being "under invasion" from "thousands and thousands and thousands of terrorists." He further alleged that babies were being "executed after birth" and warned of the looming threat of a "nuclear holocaust."

Just days after surviving another assassination attempt, Trump addressed the issue of incendiary political speech in an interview with Fox News Digital. Rather than accepting responsibility for his own rhetoric, he placed the blame on his rivals, stating, "Their rhetoric is causing me to be shot at when I am the one who is going to save the country."

This reversal marks a departure from the script often used by Democrats, who have previously argued that Trump's autocratic tendencies, threats to imprison his perceived foes, and refusal to accept election results render him a unique threat to America's values. They have issued dire warnings about the dangers of a second Trump presidency while urging voters to defeat him at the ballot box.

Now, in an attempt to undermine one of Democrats' most potent lines of attack, Trump seeks to blame his opponents for the increasingly volatile political climate, even though his own actions have played a significant role in stoking tensions. In a social media post on Monday, he wrote, "Because of this Communist Left Rhetoric, the bullets are flying, and it will only get worse!"

Trump's campaign has circulated quotes from President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and other Democrats labeling him as a "threat" to democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the nation. Included in the list was a quote often cited by Republicans, in which Biden stated, "It's time to put Trump in a bull's-eye." Although Biden later acknowledged that it was a mistake to use such language, the attack adds fuel to Trump's allegations against his rivals.

Throughout his campaign, Trump has consistently argued that Democrats pose the true menace to democracy. He has accused Biden and Harris of weaponizing the legal system against him, framing his multiple criminal cases and charges as political persecution. Simultaneously, he maintains his baseless claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him and calls for the release of individuals arrested in connection with the January 6th attack on the Capitol.

Trump's strategy of projecting wrongdoing onto his opponents is a familiar tactic. Whether it was responding to Hillary Clinton's labeling him as a "puppet" for Russian President Vladimir Putin or countering Biden's accusation of him being a "lifelong racist," Trump has consistently deflected criticism by turning it back on his accusers.

During recent campaign events, Trump has sought to turn the Democrats' claim that he and his allies are "weird" against them, stating, "We're not weird. They're weird." At a presidential debate, he attacked Harris by accusing her of weaponizing the Justice Department, thereby diverting attention away from his own potential misuse of the department.

The increasing vitriol in political discourse, combined with urgent stakes on both sides, has contributed to a climate of violence. Threats, harassment, and violence have affected politicians across the spectrum, as well as election workers, judges, and other officials. Last month, a Virginia man was charged with repeatedly posting death threats against Vice President Kamala Harris on social media.

According to historian Matthew Dallek, approximately a quarter of sitting presidents have faced serious assassination attempts. However, what sets the recent attempts on Trump's life apart is the heated presidential campaign and the debate surrounding the future of the American project.

As the country grapples with these unique challenges, the question of responsibility and who truly poses a threat to democracy remains at the forefront. Trump's attempts to shift blame onto his opponents only further intensify the divisive climate. Democrats condemn his tactics and call for an end to the spread of falsehoods, emphasizing that such narratives have no place in America.