Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) stirred significant attention yet again with her latest remarks about the supposed dangers if former President Donald Trump is reelected.
Appearing on MSNBC, Waters expressed a theatrical level of concern, predicting that “millions” of people would be endangered and “killings” would ensue if Trump wins in November. (RELATED: Maxine Waters Accuses ‘Right-Wing Organizations' Of Training In The Hills)
During her Sunday appearance, Waters was asked if she feared for her safety in the event of Trump's reelection. She responded emphatically:
“I'm very concerned, not only about my safety and not only about the safety of members of Congress. I'm concerned about the safety of so many people in this country, particularly people of color. Donald Trump has said that if he does not win, it is going to be fraud, and because it is going to be fraud, there will be blood in the streets. He threatens about a civil war, and he threatens there's going to be violence.”
Waters further stated, “I would say all of this talk is motivational with many of those who are racist, who are sitting at home listening to him, and they are taking him up on his threats even before the elections take place. It is about thousands, maybe millions of people being threatened and being at risk because of Donald Trump and his desire to seek revenge on anything and everybody.”
She concluded with another jab about Trump's rhetoric, “I think Donald Trump has to take responsibility for what he is saying about blood in the streets and violence if he is not elected to be the president of the United States of America.”
Power and Influence Prevail Despite Hyperbole
- Representing Los Angeles: Waters has represented a southern Los Angeles county congressional district since first winning election in 1990. The district, though redefined over the years, consistently includes significant parts of southern Los Angeles, Gardena, Inglewood and Torrance.
- Senior Democrat: Waters is the second-most senior member of the California congressional delegation, following Nancy Pelosi.
- Committee Leadership: From 2019 to 2023, she chaired the powerful House Financial Services Committee and has been the ranking member since Republicans regained control.
A Career Marked by Controversy
1992 Los Angeles Riots: Waters described the riots as a “rebellion,” reflecting the frustration within the African American community following the police beating of Rodney King. Critics accused her of inflaming the situation.
1994 Banking Scandal: Waters faced scrutiny when it was revealed she had written to federal regulators on behalf of OneUnited Bank, where her husband held stock and previously served on the board. Although cleared of wrongdoing by the House Ethics Committee, questions about potential conflicts of interest lingered. (RELATED: House Ethics Committee Announces Probe Into Republican Congressman)
2018 Call to Action: Waters urged supporters to confront Trump administration members publicly, a move criticized by many, including some Democrats, as potentially inciting harassment and violence.
2021 Comments on Chauvin Trial: During Derek Chauvin's trial for George Floyd's murder, Waters urged demonstrators to “stay on the street” and “get more confrontational” if Chauvin were acquitted. Her remarks were criticized as potentially inciting violence and influencing the jury.
Despite the laundry list of controversies, Waters has maintained a high level of prominence. She was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2018, largely due to her vocal opposition to the Trump administration.
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