A Democratic town official in New York has stepped down amid public outcry after making disturbing remarks online calling for violence against former President Donald Trump during the 2024 election season.
Christine Paige, who served on the Potsdam Town Board, came under fire after Facebook posts surfaced in which she appeared to endorse the idea of assassinating Trump. The remarks quickly gained traction on social media, triggering widespread condemnation and prompting calls for her resignation.
Despite the backlash, Paige never formally withdrew or apologized for her statements. Her departure from office comes after months of sustained pressure and underscores the increasingly hostile rhetoric coming from the political fringes.
In one of the controversial posts highlighted by conservative outlet Libs of TikTok, Paige compared Trump to a “rabid dog” and implied that taking his life would be no different than putting down a dangerous animal. She further dismissed criticism of her comments as “foolishness,” showing little remorse for the outrage her words caused.
The August 2, 2024 post sparked swift responses from local leadership. Potsdam Town Supervisor Marty Miller publicly denounced Paige’s statements, emphasizing that they did not reflect the views of the board. “These comments severely damaged the credibility of our board and our town,” he said, noting that while Paige may view her statements as protected speech, the fallout was both intense and disruptive.
Miller went on to detail the impact on local government operations, citing an overwhelming volume of calls and emails to Town Hall that hindered the board’s ability to serve the community effectively. “The personal actions of one member have created major challenges for the rest of us,” he stated, adding that legal constraints prevented the board from removing her directly.
“The integrity of our board should not be judged by one individual’s behavior,” Miller added, expressing hope that time will help the community heal and move forward.
Following mounting public scrutiny, Paige ultimately resigned from her position. Libs of TikTok confirmed the news on social media, tweeting, “BREAKING UPDATE: Democrat NY Town Board Member Christine Paige has FINALLY RESIGNED after months of pressure following her appalling remarks after Trump was nearly assassinated. Farewell 👋”
Reactions to the resignation were swift, particularly from conservative circles. One commenter wrote, “I don’t understand how people who speak with such hatred think they hold the moral high ground.” Another added, “Good riddance. Her words were reckless. Accountability matters, no matter the party.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by political extremism and the urgent need for civil discourse in American politics.
