California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter has sparked widespread controversy with an email that featured the phrase “F*** Trump” four times, including once in the subject line. This email, which went out the day after the latest assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, has quickly gained attention for its lack of sensitivity in light of the recent attack. Porter’s email, which was sent out Sunday, made no mention of the attack on Trump’s life. Instead, it featured an aggressive tone, starting with the phrase: “Today, I wanna start with one simple, powerful message we all agree on: Say it with me. Ready, 1 … 2 … 3 … F*** Trump.” The email continued with, “Yeah, that’s right, F*** Trump. Together, we’re going to kick Trump’s a** in November and stop him in his tracks.”
This tone drew criticism from many corners of the political spectrum, including from the Republican National Committee (RNC). RNC spokesperson Nick Poche condemned the email, calling it an example of violent rhetoric that contributes to political violence. “Katie Porter is a degenerate loser who is sick in the head,” Poche said in a statement. “It’s telling that failing Democrat candidates think their path to victory is to fan the flames of violence right after an assassination attempt.”
Controversy Over Democratic Rhetoric
Porter’s email comes at a time when political tensions in the United States are at a boiling point. Just days before the assassination attempt, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries referred to Democrats being in an “era of maximum warfare.” Critics have argued that this rhetoric is contributing to a culture of polarization and violence.
Writer and X influencer Bethany Mandel responded to the email by drawing a comparison to how such an email would have been received if it came from a Republican after an attack on a Democratic leader. “Imagine Barack Obama surviving three assassination attempts and 18 hours later, a Republican sent a fundraising email like this,” she posted on X.
This is not the first time that Porter has been involved in a controversial incident. She has previously faced scrutiny for shouting and using expletives in public settings, including a well-documented outburst at a staffer and her threat to walk out of an interview with a journalist. Her combative rhetoric and actions have led some to question her fitness to run for governor of California.
The backlash over Porter’s email highlights the growing political divide in the country. With the 2026 gubernatorial race heating up, the rhetoric surrounding Trump’s presidency and the Democratic opposition has grown more intense. Some fear that the aggressive language used by both sides could escalate the political violence that has been increasingly prevalent in recent years.
Porter’s email serves as a stark reminder of how words can fuel the already fragile political climate, drawing both criticism and support from various political factions. As the 2026 election approaches, both sides will likely continue to engage in heated battles, though it remains unclear whether this kind of inflammatory language will resonate with voters in the long run.
