On October 29, 2025, Senator Chris Coons of Delaware addressed a county-level business association, emphasizing the importance of community building and school improvement. He expressed serious concerns about the current imbalance in political discourse, the frequent death threats he and his colleagues receive, and the dangers of social media. Coons stated that almost every one of his colleagues often receives death threats.
During a gathering organized by the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce in Eastside Charter School in New Castle, Delaware, with over a hundred attendees, Coons provided insights into the current policies in Delaware and the United States. He stressed the significance of building stronger communities and improving schools to make Delaware safer, healthier, and more robust.
When responding to audience questions, as a Democratic representative, Coons warned about the use of extreme language in questioning, such as referring to members of the Republican Party as fascists or Nazis. He cautioned everyone to be mindful of their words and actions.
Coons mentioned the recent tragic events of political assassinations in Utah and Minnesota, underscoring the need for restraint in discourse and avoiding violent rhetoric.
He highlighted the concerning trend of increasing violence directed at federal and state-level judges and lawmakers, citing personal experiences of receiving death threats. Coons also recounted the 2017 assassination attempt at a Republican baseball field in Virginia, emphasizing the need for security measures for government officials.
Coons acknowledged the presence of extremist elements in Delaware, referencing individuals involved in plotting criminal activities against government officials.
Regarding the surge in community violence, Coons pointed out the harmful effects of social media. He criticized the lack of accountability for social media companies, highlighting the need for regulation to address the negative impact on mental health and societal divisions caused by social media algorithms.
Coons shared his own struggles with smartphone addiction and time wasted on social media, acknowledging the detrimental influence it has on individuals, especially young people.
He emphasized the damaging effects of online platforms that contribute to political polarization and undermine mental well-being.
Coons commended bipartisan efforts led by Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar and Republican Senator Ted Cruz in passing the “Take It Down Act,” aimed at criminalizing the unauthorized sharing of private and intimate images. He highlighted the importance of legislation in combating harmful content online.
Coons critiqued mainstream media, labeling them as “garbage” and humorously suggested turning off such outlets to avoid misinformation. He joked that people should tune into channels like sports and cooking as they are more enjoyable alternatives.