In the US, terror is increasingly coming from inside the country

Trump's polarising form of politics has raised tension and helped to strengthen militias and extreme right-wing groups

A parade in support of United States President Donald Trump in Miami, Florida, last Sunday. The writer says the stage has been set for the continuation of a persistent problem in America that will continue to cloud and confuse the political debate an
A parade in support of United States President Donald Trump in Miami, Florida, last Sunday. The writer says the stage has been set for the continuation of a persistent problem in America that will continue to cloud and confuse the political debate and sadly result in domestic terrorism. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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US President Donald Trump has consistently baited the extreme right wing during his presidency. From retweeting extreme right material to refusing to condemn groups during presidential debates, the concern is that by election time he will have unleashed a wave of uncontrollable anger that will result in mass civil unrest.

This is unlikely, but it is equally likely that no matter the outcome of the election, violence of some sort will follow.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 29, 2020, with the headline In the US, terror is increasingly coming from inside the country. Subscribe