Governor Spencer Cox Reflects on Political Polarization and Violence in His Book

Republican Utah Governor Spencer Cox expresses disappointment with the outcome of a pivotal incident involving former President Donald Trump. In his upcoming book, Off Ramp, Cox hoped the assassination attempt against Trump during his 2024 campaign could catalyze change, encouraging Trump to mitigate political tensions and halt the cycle of retaliation and contempt. However, Cox acknowledges that events unfolded contrary to his expectations, admitting, “it would be fair to suggest I failed.”

In Off Ramp, Cox shares his experiences striving to foster connections with Trump and former President Joe Biden, aiming to lessen American political polarization and violence. He perceives America as nearing a critical juncture characterized by political conflict and hatred. Cox posits that peacemaking is a slow and sometimes imperfect process, often stigmatized as weakness. The real danger lies not in political disagreement but in mutual contempt.

Cox recalls the moment when a gunman’s bullet grazed Trump’s ear at a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, seeing it as an opportunity for national unity. The governor drafted a letter to Trump urging him to use his survival as a chance to unify the nation. “Your life was spared. Now, because of that miracle, you have the opportunity to do something that no other person on earth can do right now: unify and save our country,” Cox wrote. He warned about the urgent need for Americans to lower political tensions and reconnect.

Despite his previous non-endorsement of Trump, Cox pursued a relationship with him, fostering dialogue and cooperation on issues like border security and supporting working-class families. Their discussions led to positive gestures from Trump, including support for efforts to save Utah’s shrinking Great Salt Lake and a message on Truth Social. Nevertheless, Cox’s broader hope that Trump would embrace unity-focused politics remained unfulfilled. He reflects, “When I wrote to President Trump, I hoped he would choose unity over retaliation… it would be fair to suggest I failed.”

Cox also attempted to secure a pardon for Trump from Biden, appealing for national healing. Although Biden showed initial interest, he decided against it, citing public demands for justice.

Throughout the book, Cox examines the chilling trend of political violence, illustrated by the assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, in September 2025. Cox was astonished by celebratory online reactions to the murder, which underscored the country’s descent into contempt-driven politics. He describes standing before a tinderbox, warning against viewing opponents as enemies rather than citizens with differing beliefs.

Cox praised Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, for forgiving the accused shooter Tyler Robinson, noting that forgiveness could end cycles of pain and toxicity. Cox argues that political violence festers in environments where contempt is normalized. The key takeaway is not to cease disagreements but to engage in respectful discourse, recognizing opponents as fellow human beings.

Governor Cox’s book addresses the crucial need for peacemakers in contemporary American politics, advocating for dialogue free from dehumanizing contempt.