As federal investigators conduct a nationwide manhunt for whoever mailed explosive devices to prominent Democrats and CNN, President Donald Trump is once again attacking the news media, blaming journalists for the anger and hostility gripping American politics.
The president's remarks come just one day after CNN's New York offices were evacuated following the discovery of a suspicious package containing an explosive device.
Rather than use the moment exclusively to call for national unity, Trump returned Thursday morning to one of his most familiar political targets: the press.
Trump Blames Journalists for Political Anger
In a Thursday morning Twitter message, Trump accused mainstream news organizations of deliberately publishing false and inaccurate information.
He claimed that media coverage was responsible for a substantial portion of the anger in American society and demanded that news organizations change their behavior immediately.
The accusation followed a campaign rally Wednesday night in Wisconsin, where Trump condemned political violence but also criticized the media for what he described as hostility and negative reporting.
The timing has drawn particular scrutiny because one of the apparent targets of the attempted bombings is CNN, a news organization Trump has repeatedly attacked.
A President Who Calls the Press the Enemy
Since taking office, Trump has regularly described unfavorable reporting as "fake news" and referred to journalists as the "enemy of the people."
His campaign rallies frequently feature attacks on reporters, with crowds booing members of the press as the president singles out news organizations.
Just last week, Trump praised Montana Republican Congressman Greg Gianforte for physically assaulting a reporter in 2017.
Gianforte pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault after attacking Guardian journalist Ben Jacobs.
Trump's public celebration of that incident prompted criticism from press freedom advocates, who argue that political leaders should condemn violence against journalists rather than treat it as a source of applause.
The latest threats have renewed questions about the consequences of portraying reporters and political opponents as enemies.
Explosive Devices Sent to Trump's Critics
Authorities have discovered suspicious packages addressed to several prominent figures, including former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Vice President Joe Biden, former Attorney General Eric Holder, Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and actor Robert De Niro.
Billionaire Democratic donor George Soros was also targeted earlier this week.
A package addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan was delivered to CNN's New York offices, forcing an evacuation.
Federal investigators are examining the devices and searching for whoever is responsible.
No injuries have been reported, and authorities have not publicly identified a suspect or established a motive.
White House Rejects Responsibility for the Climate
White House officials reject suggestions that Trump's language bears responsibility for the attempted attacks.
Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders has argued that political statements should not be equated with the criminal actions of individuals.
There is no established evidence that Trump's rhetoric caused the attempted bombings.
Nevertheless, Republican Senator Jeff Flake and other critics have called on the president to moderate his language, particularly his descriptions of journalists and political opponents.
The distinction between criticizing press coverage and depicting journalists as enemies has become a central concern in the debate.
Calls for Unity Clash With Continued Attacks
Trump has condemned the attempted bombings and pledged that federal authorities will bring those responsible to justice.
At Wednesday's rally, he also called for Americans to come together peacefully.
But by Thursday morning, the president was again accusing the mainstream media of fueling the country's hostility.
With the November midterm elections approaching, the confrontation raises a question about presidential leadership during a period of political threats.
As investigators search for whoever sent explosive devices to public figures and a major news organization, Trump is calling for unity while continuing to attack the very press organization that was among the targets.