Trump hinted at something without confirming it publicly. Why do leaders use hints instead of making clear statements?

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The word "hints" in "Trump hints that Portland could be next: 'These are paid terrorists'" frames the president's statement as subtle suggestion rather than explicit threat or unverified accusation. By using "hints," the headline softens Trump's direct quote—"we're going to wipe them out"—which is not a hint but a clear declaration of intent. The framing also sidesteps whether there's evidence for the "paid terrorists" claim (there isn't). "Hints" treats the statement as strategic messaging rather than examining its factual basis or implications for using military force against U.S. civilians. A more direct framing would be "Trump claims Portland protesters are 'paid terrorists' without evidence" or "Trump threatens military action in Portland," which wouldn't obscure the lack of proof or the severity of deploying troops against American citizens.

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