Class Warriors

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 25, 2026

Historian Steven S. Berizzi argues that former President Donald Trump's rhetoric and political movement have significantly contributed to current class-based violence by fostering a climate of grievance and encouraging confrontational actions. He links recent unrest to historical tactics aimed at provoking social upheaval, suggesting that such violence reflects deeper, strategic efforts to challenge political order rather than random emotional outbursts.

A recent opinion essay characterizing current class-based violence as lacking clear rationale and driven by emotions such as revenge and despair has prompted a response drawing connections to former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and actions. Steven S. Berizzi, emeritus professor of history and political science at Connecticut State Community College in Norwalk, argued that the patterns of discontent and aggression observed today have been significantly influenced by Trump and his political movement.

Berizzi cited Trump’s 2023 campaign statements in which the former president identified himself as a representative and protector of aggrieved working-class Americans, declaring, “I am your voice… I am your warrior. I am your justice. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution.” According to Berizzi, these declarations have helped foster a climate of “perpetual grievance” within the MAGA movement.

The professor further referenced the events of January 6, 2021, when Trump encouraged his supporters to march on the U.S. Capitol with the call to “take back our country.” The rally escalated into a violent attack involving threats against Vice President Mike Pence, assaults on law enforcement officers, and destruction of public property. Berizzi drew parallels between this modern episode and the late 19th-century anarchist tactic known as the “propaganda of the deed,” wherein acts of violence were used deliberately to provoke wider social upheaval and challenge existing government structures.

By invoking this historical comparison, Berizzi underscored his view that contemporary unrest echoes earlier efforts aimed at dismantling political order, reflecting motivations that extend beyond spontaneous or aimless anger. The professor’s commentary thus situates recent political violence within a broader historical context of movements seeking radical change through confrontational means.

This perspective contributes to ongoing debates about the roots and implications of political violence in present-day America, highlighting how leadership rhetoric and historical precedents may shape public behavior and social dynamics.

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