A viral social media trend using the phrase “somebody should do it” has transitioned from niche circles to mainstream platforms, normalizing ambiguous rhetoric about assassinating President Donald Trump and other high-profile figures.
A disturbing social media trend is turning presidential assassination into a viral “wink-nudge” shorthand, according to Washington Post. The “Somebody should do it” meme, popularized by influencers like Peyton Vanest, features vague pleas that viewers widely interpret as calls for political violence. While many posters claim they are merely venting frustration, experts warn the rhetoric is dangerous.
Tim Weninger of the University of Notre Dame noted America’s growing comfort with murder gibes, stating, “People are in a dark place.” White House spokesman Davis Ingle condemned the culture, saying those involved “should also immediately seek psychiatric help.” Despite the risks, some users feel compelled to match the administration’s own combative tone. As forensic psychologist Jillian Peterson warned, this normalization mirrors the “contagion” seen in mass shootings, potentially encouraging those in crisis to act on the morbid jokes.
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