Maine teacher demands violence against Trump and his supporters

In the United States, specifically Maine, controversy erupted following shocking social media posts made by JoAnna St. Germain, an English teacher at Waterville Senior High School. On April 29, 2025, St. Germain posted a message on Facebook, suggesting that the Secret Service should act against President Donald Trump and his supporters, whom she called 'sycophants'. In her lengthy post, she did not call for assassination but implied a need for Americans to rise up against what she described as a 'fascist dictatorship'. This alarming statement led to widespread outrage and an investigation by local law enforcement. St. Germain later reiterated her stance in additional posts, expressing no remorse for her comments. Her public statements caught the attention of the U.S. Secret Service, which stated that it was aware of the situation but does not usually comment on protective intelligence matters. With the Waterville Police Department also involved, the situation has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of students and the local community. Since the incident, there has been no confirmation regarding any disciplinary actions taken against St. Germain, though the Waterville school administration is facing increasing pressure to address these alarming remarks. This episode has ignited a debate about the responsibilities of educators in the social media age, and the potential consequences of using such platforms to express extreme views against political figures. The repercussions of her posts may further complicate the relationship between educators and their communities, as they navigate the delicate balance of personal expression and professional responsibility. Activism, especially when paired with calls for violence, poses ethical dilemmas that many are now reconsidering in light of the prevalent political climate in the United States.