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US Politics

US Politics

Viral AI-images highlight how Trump engages in "victimcould," scholar argues

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Summary
Nutrition label

64% Informative

A new paper introduces a provocative concept for understanding how far-right movements justify violence, oppression, and exclusion.

The paper, authored by Kathryn Claire Higgins , names this strategic move “victimcould” and uses Donald Trump ’s political trajectory as a case study.

Trump positions himself as perpetually on the brink of harm, casting himself as a target of state overreach and moral persecution.

The study, “From victimhood to victimcould: Hypothetical injury and the criminalization’ of Donald Trump , was published July 2, 2025 .

There are important limitations to Higgins ’ argument, which she acknowledges.

Future research could explore how victimcould functions in other far-right movements.

VR Score

70

Informative language

70

Neutral language

67

Article tone

informal

Language

English

Language complexity

69

Offensive language

likely offensive

Hate speech

not hateful

Attention-grabbing headline

not detected

Known propaganda techniques

not detected

Time-value

medium-lived

External references

no external sources

Source diversity

no sources

Affiliate links

no affiliate links