Newt Gingrich Warns of Rising Political Tensions, Criticizes Democrats’ “Dangerous” Rhetoric

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is raising alarms over what he describes as increasingly hostile and “very dangerous” rhetoric from Democratic leaders, warning that such political behavior could escalate into something serious aimed at former President Donald Trump.

During a recent appearance on Fox News, Gingrich dismissed remarks made by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who had claimed that Republicans are “on the run.” In response, Gingrich contended that Democrats are driven by rage and lack meaningful policy solutions, choosing instead to focus on political resistance rather than governance.

“I think what you’re seeing is a group of people who are willing to break the law, challenge democratic norms, and even justify violence in order to stop President Trump or those who support his policies,” Gingrich said. “It’s a level of anger that’s not just political—it’s dangerous.”

“You Have to Enforce the Law”

Gingrich went further, referencing Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address as he warned of the risk that the American constitutional system could collapse under such division and hostility.

“There’s a group on the hard left who believes they have the right to ignore laws, silence opposition, and even use intimidation. And the only real response to that is simple: You have to enforce the law. Period,” Gingrich said firmly. “You cannot wage war against the American people and expect no consequence.”

The former House Speaker also defended tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has been both praised and criticized for advocating government spending cuts and for his close advisory role in the Trump administration. Gingrich described Musk as “someone serving the people” and said recent attacks against him are part of a broader campaign by progressives to resist reform.

“Zombie Democrats” and Refusal to Applaud

Gingrich also reflected on recent events in the House of Representatives, where he noted a visibly divided and disinterested Democratic caucus during a public address by Trump.

“What I saw the other night in Congress was truly bizarre,” he remarked. “Democrats sat silent and expressionless—what I call ‘zombie Democrats’. They couldn’t even applaud a 13-year-old cancer survivor, a West Point-bound student, or grieving families. That’s not political opposition—that’s political dysfunction.”

He argued that their behavior reflects deeper frustration over Trump’s enduring popularity and influence. According to Gingrich, the left is losing ground with working-class Americans who view the political establishment as corrupt.

“Our research at the America’s New Majority Project shows that 82% of Americans believe the current political system is corrupt,” he stated. “That level of public distrust should alarm anyone who cares about democracy, but instead, Democrats appear to be defending the very institutions and bureaucracies people have lost faith in.”

Protests and the Insurrection Act

The escalating tension comes amid mass protests in Los Angeles, where demonstrators clashed with police over ongoing ICE raids targeting undocumented workers. Some protesters reportedly spat on officers and engaged in vandalism.

In response, former President Donald Trump—who remains an influential political figure and potential 2028 contender—authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to the city to restore order. Speaking from New Jersey alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump condemned the protesters’ actions and confirmed he is considering invoking the Insurrection Act, a rarely used federal authority that allows military intervention during civil unrest.

“You cannot allow mobs to attack law enforcement,” Trump told reporters. “We’re going to protect our officers, and there will be consequences for those who assault them.”

Democratic Pushback

However, the deployment has been met with sharp criticism from Democrats, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, who condemned Trump’s actions as excessive. In a public statement, Harris accused Trump of using force to suppress dissent and criticized the federal government’s decision to override California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, both of whom had declined to use local law enforcement against the protests.

“This is a dangerous federal overreach,” Harris said. “Peaceful protest is a constitutional right, and using the military against our own citizens is a step too far.”

Despite the backlash, Trump’s supporters argue that the administration is simply restoring law and order in areas where local leadership has failed to act.

Looking Ahead

As political tensions rise, Gingrich warned that the deepening partisan divide could have serious consequences for the nation’s future. He urged both parties to prioritize solutions over political warfare.

“The American people want answers—not endless fighting,” he said. “If we don’t get back to solving problems, we risk losing the very freedoms our system was built to protect.”