WATCH: Maxine Waters Goes Off The Rails, Threatens ‘Political Violence’ If Trump Wins

Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) stirred up quite the storm with her comments on MSNBC’s “The Saturday Show.” The congresswoman warned of potential political violence and “more killings” should former President Donald Trump win the upcoming election, a statement that has led to criticism over its alarmist tone.

Speaking with host Jonathan Capehart, Waters expressed her fears not just for her own safety, but broadly for the safety of “so many people in this country, particularly people of color.” She attributed these fears directly to Trump, claiming, “Donald Trump has said that if he does not win, it’s going to be fraud. And because it’s going to be fraud, there’s going to be blood in the streets. He threatens about a civil war, and he threatens there is going to be violence.”

“So I’d say all of this talk is motivational with many of those who are racist, who are sitting at home, listening to him, and they’re taking him up on his threats even before the elections take place,” Waters said. She described a scenario where “thousands, maybe millions of people” could be threatened due to Trump’s rhetoric and his desire for revenge. However, Waters’ own statements could be seen as inciting fear and division.

“I do believe that, having listened to Donald Trump so many times and having the attack of the insurrection that took place on the House of Representatives, in Congress, on the Capitol, on the Capitol grounds that we could be in for more killings like that,” Waters finished.

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Waters has remained a polarizing figure while drawing criticism from opponents who see her as confrontational and divisive. She has faced various backlashes over her long career, particularly for her outspoken, controversial remarks. The Congresswoman has been one of the most vocal advocates for impeaching former President Trump, beginning her calls as early as 2017. Her early and persistent calls for impeachment drew criticism from both Republicans and some Democrats who believed her comments were premature and divisive.

In 2018, Waters faced backlash after she encouraged her supporters to confront Trump administration officials in public places over their immigration policies. Her statements were met with sharp rebukes, including from some fellow Democrats who worried that such confrontations could escalate into violence.

Waters has also faced ethical questions, particularly concerning a meeting she arranged between the Treasury Department and OneUnited Bank during the financial crisis in 2008, where her husband was a stockholder and former board member. Though the House Ethics Committee charged her with three counts in 2010, she was cleared of all charges in 2012.

Following the 2021 Capitol riot, Waters again came under fire for her remarks at a protest in Minnesota amid the Derek Chauvin trial, where she expressed the need for protesters to “get more confrontational” if Chauvin was not convicted. Critics argued that her words could incite violence, leading to a formal censure motion against her in the House, which was ultimately voted down.

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