Democrats on Thursday said they felt President Donald Trump was partially responsible for an alleged scheme that involved kidnapping the governor of Michigan Gretchen Esther Whitmer. The governor claims the president's divisive rhetoric that usually is supported by hate groups and white supremacists triggered the kidnapping plot.

The FBI said it was able to obstruct a plot devised by militia members to kidnap Whitmer, a Democrat, and take her to a specific location for trial. Six men have been arrested and are facing federal charges.

As part of a coordinated move, seven more people are facing state charges in Michigan under the state's anti-terrorism act. These people are reportedly tied to a far-right militia group.

During a press conference on Thursday, Whitmer expressed gratitude towards the law enforcement for bringing these people to justice. She went on to talk about the president's language, particularly pointing out his recent refusals to condemn white supremacists, linking it to sort of sparking political violence, NPR reported.

Referencing Trump's appearance last week for the presidential debate, she said the president refused to condemn white supremacists and hate groups, including the two Michigan militia groups. "Stand back and stand by," Trump told them, and the hate groups didn't see these words as a rebuke but as a rallying cry instead, and a call to action, Whitmer added.

After receiving criticism for several days, Trump finally condemned white supremacist groups during a TV interview. Despite the lack of evidence that those accused of trying to kidnap her were motivated by the president, Whitmer blamed him for legitimizing the actions of violent hate groups through his way with words.

She went on to say that when the country's leader speaks, their words matter, adding that they carry weight. She then noted that when the leaders meet, encourage, or associate with domestic terrorists, they approve their actions, and they are morally wrong. 

Whitmer said every time the leaders fuel a hate speech, they are unlawful and morally wrong. Responding to the governor's allegations, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Thursday blamed Whitmer for using her speech to sow division.

She clarified that Trump has continually condemned all forms of hate including white supremacists, before accusing Whitmer of sowing division through these baseless allegations. She noted that America stands united against all forms of hate and supports its federal law enforcement that obstructed this plot.

Back in April, protesters annoyed with Whitmer's stay-at-home order entered the state Senate gallery and attempted to access the House chambers. The next day, Trump advised Whitmer to "give a little," suggesting that the protesters are very good people, but they are angry.