Former Democratic Senator Manchin Says Only Trump Can Unite the Country
Former Democratic Senator Joe Manchin surprised many on Friday by declaring that President Donald Trump is the only political figure capable of uniting the country after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Speaking on Fox News, Manchin said, “President Trump is the person who can basically bring us together,” prompting stunned reactions from viewers and the program’s host.
Manchin, who retired from the Senate earlier this year after serving for 14 years, stressed the urgency of national healing amid rising political violence. “I’m praying he’s able to say, ‘enough’s enough… we’re all Americans,’” he said. Known for his centrist and bipartisan approach, Manchin encouraged Trump to lead efforts to calm the political climate and restore unity.
The killing of Kirk has widened the country’s political divide. Republicans have accused Democrats of inciting violence through repeated comparisons of conservatives to fascists, while Democrats argue that Trump’s rhetoric has fueled right-wing extremism. Manchin dismissed those claims and instead emphasized Trump’s unique position to de-escalate national tensions.
Tensions were also high in Congress, where emotions flared during a memorial for Kirk. A heated exchange broke out between Reps. Byron Donalds and Rashida Tlaib, while Democrats booed a prayer led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. The disruption led Rep. Lauren Boebert to shout across the aisle, “You caused this!”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez further polarized the moment by denouncing Kirk on the House floor, accusing him of anti-Semitism and bigotry. Her remarks underscored the deep divisions still gripping Washington—even during national mourning.
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