Trump Blames Assailants' 'Genetics,' Links Violence to Immigration Policy

President Donald Trump suggested in a Fox News Radio interview that recent violent attacks around the country reflect problems in the perpetrators' "genetics," and he tied some of the incidents to U.S. immigration policy. His remarks, released Friday, drew criticism from experts who say language that invokes heredity echoes long-discredited eugenic ideas and racial pseudoscience.

What Trump Said

In the interview with Brian Kilmeade, Trump described several attackers as "sick" and suggested many "shouldn't have been let in," adding that "the genetics are not exactly, they're not exactly your genetic." He called the situation "a terrible thing" and blamed previous administrations — including the Biden administration — for immigration decisions that, in his view, allowed dangerous people into the country.

"They're sick people, and a lot of them were let in here. They shouldn't have been let in. Others are just bad. They go bad. Something wrong — there's something wrong there. The genetics are not exactly, they're not exactly your genetic," Trump said.

Recent Incidents Cited

Trump's comments followed several high-profile violent incidents that authorities are still investigating:

• Old Dominion University (Norfolk, Va.): A gunman opened fire in an ROTC classroom, killing one person and injuring two others. FBI Director Kash Patel said the shooting would be investigated as an act of terrorism. Court records indicate the shooter had a prior conviction for supporting the Islamic State.
• Temple Israel Synagogue (West Bloomfield Township, Mich.): Armed guards shot and killed a driver who rammed a car into the building. Officials said the suspect was a U.S. citizen who had emigrated from Lebanon and had recently lost family members in an Israeli strike.
• Gracie Mansion (New York City): Earlier this month, two men were arrested after an improvised explosive device was thrown outside the mayoral residence during an anti-Islam demonstration and counterprotest. New York City officials described the incident as being investigated as "ISIS-inspired terrorism."

Expert Reaction And Context

Scholars and scientists note that invoking "genetics" in explanations for violent behavior echoes rhetoric historically used to justify racial hierarchies and eugenics — theories that modern science has discredited and that are widely condemned as unethical. Critics argue that linking criminal acts to heredity is both misleading and dangerous because it can stigmatize entire groups and distract from other factors such as ideology, mental health, socioeconomics, and individual motive.

Pattern Of Language

Trump has used heredity-related language before — often as a compliment when praising individuals' appearances or achievements. At a recent White House Medal of Honor ceremony he told a family, "The genetics in that family are very strong... You have good genes." He has also previously said some immigrants who commit crimes have "bad genes," and in past campaigns used metaphors about "poisoning the blood" that drew condemnation from political opponents.

Why It Matters

Observers say the episode raises broader questions about political rhetoric, public safety, and immigration policy. While officials continue criminal and terrorism-related investigations into the incidents, experts urge caution against attributing violent acts to heredity and emphasize examining evidence-based causes and preventive measures.

Originally published on NBCNews.com.