The outrage against President Donald Trump continues to boil over. The controversial businessman who recently took over the executive branch has triggered liberals and Never Trump Republicans for a year now, but things have recently escalated. Protesters have been in Washington D.C. for the last few days causing property damage and other violent tactics, resulting in numerous arrests.

The violent side of the crowds has been reduced to a mere line in the stories as headlines read like peaceful protests. Celebrities and political figures have flocked to these events to seize the opportunity to further divide the country.

Amidst all the violence, singer Madonna spoke to the unruly crowds. Given the massive podium before the crowds, she used her star status to make terrorist threats against the White House.

In her Women’s March speech, Madonna said that she had thought an “awful lot about blowing up the White House.”

If any regular citizen had stated this, the Secret Service would be on the scene waiting for an explanation and clarification that they’re not a threat. Someone with star status can get away with a little bit more.

There’s also a double standard in society. Madonna has openly called for a violent terrorist act against the White House, presumably as a threat against the President. This would be an act that not even Osama bin Laden could have accomplished, but here Madonna wishes for it over political differences.

What is the definition of terrorism?

One must wonder how the mainstream media would react if a conservative had made that same statement when Barack Obama was President. When ranchers took over a government building without destroying or looting the property, they were deemed domestic terrorists and many prominent liberals called for violence against them. Some even wanted them to be shot because of their supposedly terrorist actions.

But what about protesters rioting through Washington D.C., smashing windows and intimidating people? What about a prominent celebrity stating she’s thought a lot about blowing up the White House?

Even if the words were taken out of context, Madonna has a responsibility as a public figure to not fan the flames. She is in a unique position to influence others. If people are genuinely concerned about the direction our government is headed in, we have processes to help check the President. She could tell the enormous crowds to prepare for the midterm elections, get involved in local politics, donate to like-minded causes, etc.

Instead, Madonna just wants to consider blowing up the White House.

When we talk about bitter partisanship and the worsening of party tensions, individuals like Madonna are the main cause. Instead of finding common ground with others and finding diplomatic solutions with opponents, the solution is violence and aggression. This leads to unrest and rioting that breaks down society.

What does Madonna and the Women’s March hope to accomplish? Riot and the break down of social order, resulting in law enforcement crackdowns and even declaration of martial law? Violence is not the answer and Madonna should know better.