Governors Spencer Cox (R-UT) and Josh Shapiro (D-PA) told CNN’s Dana Bash that political leaders must lower the temperature of public rhetoric and model moral clarity. Both criticized President Trump’s comments about Rep. Ilhan Omar, warning that attacks on identity can normalize scapegoating and raise the risk of violence. The governors said the solution requires action from all Americans, not just elected officials.
Governors Cox and Shapiro Call for Unity, Condemn Trump’s Attacks on Ilhan Omar
Governors Josh Shapiro (D-PA) and Spencer Cox (R-UT) sat down with CNN’s Dana Bash at the National Cathedral for a candid discussion about rising political violence and the need to restore civility in American public life.
During a segment previewed by Wolf Blitzer, the governors criticized rhetoric from President Donald Trump aimed at Somali American Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Blitzer noted that, at a recent rally in Pennsylvania, Trump's comments about Omar and her head covering prompted chants of “Send her back.”
Governor Spencer Cox acknowledged his policy disagreements with Representative Omar but emphasized that political opposition must never target someone’s religion, race, or ethnicity. He said he has discussed nonviolence with the president after incidents like the Charlie Kirk shooting and added that he does not believe the president is trying to unite the country.
“I disagree with Congresswoman Omar. I think she should be voted out of office, and I think I can do that without attacking her religion or her race or her ethnic background,” Cox said. “The solution won’t come solely from a president or two governors—it has to be all of us. The politicians we elect reflect the values of the people.”
Governor Josh Shapiro said leaders have a responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity. He praised Cox’s approach and argued that when the president attacks a fellow American, it signals that scapegoating and targeting are permissible—heightening the risk of political violence.
“When a president attacks a fellow American—whether you agree with their views or not—it sends a signal that others can be scapegoated or become victims of political violence. The president needs to do better,” Shapiro said.
Both governors stressed that reducing heated rhetoric is not the job of elected officials alone: it requires civic engagement and higher standards from all Americans. The interview highlights bipartisan concern about how inflammatory language from prominent leaders can erode democratic norms and increase the potential for violence.
Watch the full clip on CNN for more of the governors’ conversation about unity, civic responsibility, and preventing political violence.
