Trump said "poisoning the blood" in remarks about undocumented immigrants, political opponents

In an interview on midterm elections, UCLA sociologist Aliza Luft pointed to Donald Trump’s late-2023 campaign remarks about undocumented immigrants and political opponents as an example of disparaging language from a political leader. She said Trump did not distance himself from the comments and that many around him defended them. Luft argued that leaders’ words and policies can alter perceptions of who belongs and who is threatening, generating fear that may affect voter participation, voting choices and confidence in elections. The article also cites lawsuits by civil rights groups over allowing some ICE presence at polling places, with administration officials saying agents would appear only for specific threats or warrants, and notes surveys showing threats and harassment against election officials.