Fact Check: "We must fight like hell to protect what we cherish."
What We Know
The claim "We must fight like hell to protect what we cherish" originates from remarks made by former President Donald Trump during a speech at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit on December 22, 2019. In this speech, Trump emphasized the need for young conservatives to defend their values and freedoms, stating, "The radical left doesn’t stand a chance against young conservatives who put America first" (source-1).
Additionally, this phrase was notably reiterated in Trump's speech on January 6, 2021, where he urged his supporters to "fight like hell" and warned that without such a fight, they would not have a country anymore (source-2). This speech has been a focal point in discussions surrounding the events that led to the Capitol riot on that day.
Analysis
The phrase "fight like hell" has been interpreted in various ways, depending on the context in which it is used. In the context of Trump's remarks, it appears to serve as a rallying cry for his supporters, encouraging them to actively defend their beliefs against perceived threats from the political left. The source from the Turning Point USA event reflects a motivational tone aimed at empowering young conservatives to engage in political activism (source-1).
Conversely, the January 6 speech has been scrutinized for its potential incitement of violence. Critics argue that Trump's call to "fight like hell" could be interpreted as encouragement for aggressive actions, particularly in light of the subsequent storming of the Capitol (source-2). Trump's defense during the impeachment trial pointed to other parts of his speech where he urged the crowd to march "peacefully and patriotically," attempting to frame his comments as non-violent (source-2).
The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they include official transcripts and reputable news coverage. However, interpretations of Trump's words can vary significantly based on political perspectives, which may introduce bias in how the information is presented.
Conclusion
The claim that "We must fight like hell to protect what we cherish" is True. The phrase is directly quoted from Trump's speeches, specifically at the Turning Point USA event and again during the January 6 rally. While the context and implications of the phrase can be contentious, the assertion that Trump used these exact words is verifiable through reliable sources.
