Mari MacGregor’s letter blaming Obama, as opposed to Trump, for a toxic political culture is ludicrous. Starting with Trump’s “birther” conspiracy regarding President Barack Obama, Trump has attacked, bullied and disparaged Obama and anyone not doing his bidding. He more recently shared a video on Truth social depicting President Obama and Michelle Obama as apes. How pathetic and toxic is that?

Trump’s childish, and often cruel, name calling is highly toxic, degrading political discourse to rally his base. Calling John McCain a “loser” and mocking his injuries after he spent five years as a prisoner of war is despicable. Trump has publicly called people, fat, ugly, stupid, crazy, crooked, dumb. He encouraged violence against legislators and then pardoned criminals who assaulted the brave officers protecting them. Trump uses dehumanizing rhetoric about women, immigrants, Democrats and any person who does not agree with him.

MacGregor claims that Obama’s nuclear deal “gave Iran billions”. Obama, with other world leaders, released funds that belonged to the Iranians under strict conditions. We, the taxpayers, paid nothing. The Iran nuclear deal put verifiable limits on Iran’s nuclear program. It was only when Trump tore up this agreement out of spite for Obama (toxic) that Iran abandoned its nuclear commitments and began to enrich uranium up to 60% per the IAEA.

Perhaps the most ludicrous of MacGregor’s statements: “President Trump has sacrificed comfort and wealth to serve his country.” His net worth has surged by $3 billion to $4 billion since his second term. Obama would never have stood for this toxicity. Trump is a dishonest person of questionable moral character. He violates trust for selfish gain, crosses ethical boundaries and considers himself above our Constitution. His capricious and cunning nature has destroyed any hope for a constructive political environment.

Katy LaMantia

Arlington Heights