Ivanka Trump Deletes Message Calling Armed Mob ‘American Patriots’

She took it back. But the insurrectionists do seem to feel entitled to call themselves patriots, claiming the same faux-patriotic motivation as the 14 Republican senators and over 100 members of the House who already began to object to today’s Electoral College certification at the president’s suggestion, despite zero evidence that the election results are inaccurate. Those Republicans were attempting to undo the democratic election by objecting verbally. The mob wanted to do it by taking physical control. But both groups working to do the ultimate antipatriotic act—undermining democracy. 

Every time Ivanka Trump gives a refined, softened gloss to violence and anti-democratic sentiment, she forms an eerie, hypnotic chorus with her father’s more direct message. This time is no exception—in a video posted to Twitter, the president once again falsely called the election “stolen” and “fraudulent.” After calling for “peace” and “law and order,” he added, “We love you, you’re very special.” 

That, ultimately, is Ivanka Trump’s message too—a person who ignores rational fact, blindly serves Donald Trump, and desecrates democratic principles is a special person, a true American, a patriot. She loves you. You’re very special. 

Jenny Singer is a staff writer for Glamour.