Profanity and Vitriol Dominate Political Discourse

Experts warn that social media and accessibility of weapons exacerbate the problem as political rhetoric becomes increasingly coarse

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The country's political debate has deteriorated to the point where the president can drop an f-bomb and get one lobbed back in return. While caustic rhetoric and even violence have long been part of American politics, experts warn that social media is spreading antagonistic messages faster and wider across a polarized society. Threats against public figures have spiked in recent years, occasionally erupting in high-profile flashes of violence. Some lawmakers are worried because the most offensive language has emerged from the shadows and into everyday discourse.

Why it matters

The trend is worrisome for some politics watchers because weapons are readily available when voters get riled up by their leaders and disputes go beyond harsh words. Political violence and heated rhetoric have been present throughout the nation's history, but experts say we are at a uniquely dangerous point where extreme rhetoric can be used to radicalize people online and dangerous weapons are more accessible than ever before.

The details

Former President Donald Trump has been known to drop f-bombs without even getting worked up, using profanity in public settings. This has prompted some of his political rivals to fight fire with fire, with lawmakers from both parties trading profane barbs. The coarse language is not limited to the U.S., as foreign leaders have also begun exchanging vulgar insults with Trump and others. The trend of using profanity in political discourse is a departure from the past, when such language was more likely to be heard in private rather than in public forums.

  • In June 2004, GOP Vice President Dick Cheney told Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, a critic of the Iraq war, on the Senate floor to 'go f--- yourself.'
  • In 2010, Democratic Vice President Joe Biden was caught on a hot mic calling Obamacare 'a big f------ deal'.
  • On Sept. 9, 2009, Rep. Joe Wilson, R-South Carolina, breached decorum when he blurted out 'you lie' when Obama addressed Congress about his health care proposal.
  • On March 4, 2025, Democrats held up signs such as 'False' in response to Trump's address to Congress, and Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, stood and yelled, 'You don't have a mandate.'
  • Threats against members of Congress spiked in 2025 to 14,938, according to U.S. Capitol Police, up from a previous peak of 9,625 in 2021.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who is known for using profanity in public settings, including dropping f-bombs and other vulgar language.

Hakeem Jeffries

The House Minority Leader from New York who said 'f--- Donald Trump and his vile, racist and malignant behavior' in a social media post.

Gavin Newsom

The governor of California who told the Louisiana attorney general to 'go f--- yourself' on social media over the threat of a lawsuit dealing with abortion.

Chuck Schumer

The Democratic senator from New York who used profanity in social media posts and television interviews criticizing Trump and his administration.

Gabrielle Giffords

The former House member who retired after being shot in the head in 2011 and now leads an advocacy group against gun violence.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Political violence and heated rhetoric have been present throughout our nation's history. However, we are at a uniquely dangerous point: Extreme rhetoric can be used to radicalize people online, and dangerous weapons are more accessible than ever before.”

— Gabrielle Giffords (USA TODAY)

“Imagine someone who runs – most notably for president, but this could happen at other significant levels – who says, 'Enough.' There's a lot of dice loaded against it.”

— Mitch Daniels, Former Indiana governor and director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (USA TODAY)

“Once that horse is out of the barn, I don't know if you ever get it back.”

— Mitch Daniels, Former Indiana governor and director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (USA TODAY)

“The people he meets 'still believe in decency, courtesy, kindness' despite so many vulgar or racist comments getting attention.”

— Barack Obama (Podcast)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.