Trump's authoritarian power grab is far from over, contrary to the optimism of some liberal commentators. The former president has struck back with renewed force in 2026, employing tactics that reflect a profound contempt for democratic institutions and the rule of law.
The U.S. military's recent attack on Venezuela and the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro have sent a chilling message to other countries. The threat against Colombia, Cuba, and Mexico demonstrates Trump's continued disregard for international norms and human rights. His fixation on Greenland remains a concerning indicator of his authoritarian tendencies.
These actions are mirrored in the administration's efforts to enforce its mass deportation campaign in the United States. Despite announcing plans to withdraw federal immigration officers from Minneapolis and St. Paul, thousands of ICE agents remain present to carry out Trump's agenda. This juxtaposition highlights the stark contrast between the president's rhetoric and his actual actions.
Furthermore, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has granted additional space for hundreds of vehicles and personnel at Fort Snelling, near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, further entrenching the Battle for Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security is also building dozens of detention centers across the country, with a combined capacity of approximately 80,000 people.
The FBI's raid on Fulton County's election office was ostensibly aimed at "proving" the Big Lie conspiracy theory surrounding the 2020 election. However, many legal scholars suspect this action is part of Trump's plan to nationalize elections ahead of the midterms and 2028 presidential election.
Journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort were arrested and charged with violating federal law while covering an anti-ICE protest at St. Paul Church. Critics argue that the real goal was to chill dissent and silence opposition, rather than enforcing laws against journalism.
The Human Rights Campaign has noted that both Lemon and Fort are Black and queer, and their work to amplify marginalized perspectives is crucial in a democracy. The organization's president, Kelley Robinson, stated that this incident serves as a wake-up call for Americans who value civil liberties, highlighting the dangers of silencing opposition.
However, resistance to Trump's authoritarianism is growing. Nationwide protests, including "No Kings" demonstrations and strikes, are taking place, with increasing public opinion turning against him. Congressional Democrats are attempting to cut off funding for ICE and restrict its conduct, signaling a shift in power dynamics.
Most recently, a special election in North Texas's 9th District saw Democratic candidate Taylor Rehmet defeat Republican Leigh Wambsganss by 14 points. A blue wave in the November midterms appears increasingly likely, assuming elections remain free and fair.
Federal judges are taking steps to uphold constitutional duties, such as ordering the release of a five-year-old child and his father from federal immigration custody. Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat notes that Trump's behavior is characteristic of strongman megalomania, which can ultimately lead to a leader's downfall and national ruin.
Behind the optimism among commentators and the American public lies a profound positivity and normalcy bias. The reality is dire, and many have short memories and little patience for change. Trump, his MAGA Republicans, and their allies control every organ of state power and will continue to use it to serve their own corrupt ends.
As pro-democracy Americans are reminded that the other side usually gets a say in the outcome, their hopes for a cowed Trump and an easy victory dissolve. The fight ahead will be fierce, but one thing is certain – the rule of law and democratic institutions must prevail.
The U.S. military's recent attack on Venezuela and the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro have sent a chilling message to other countries. The threat against Colombia, Cuba, and Mexico demonstrates Trump's continued disregard for international norms and human rights. His fixation on Greenland remains a concerning indicator of his authoritarian tendencies.
These actions are mirrored in the administration's efforts to enforce its mass deportation campaign in the United States. Despite announcing plans to withdraw federal immigration officers from Minneapolis and St. Paul, thousands of ICE agents remain present to carry out Trump's agenda. This juxtaposition highlights the stark contrast between the president's rhetoric and his actual actions.
Furthermore, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has granted additional space for hundreds of vehicles and personnel at Fort Snelling, near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, further entrenching the Battle for Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security is also building dozens of detention centers across the country, with a combined capacity of approximately 80,000 people.
The FBI's raid on Fulton County's election office was ostensibly aimed at "proving" the Big Lie conspiracy theory surrounding the 2020 election. However, many legal scholars suspect this action is part of Trump's plan to nationalize elections ahead of the midterms and 2028 presidential election.
Journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort were arrested and charged with violating federal law while covering an anti-ICE protest at St. Paul Church. Critics argue that the real goal was to chill dissent and silence opposition, rather than enforcing laws against journalism.
The Human Rights Campaign has noted that both Lemon and Fort are Black and queer, and their work to amplify marginalized perspectives is crucial in a democracy. The organization's president, Kelley Robinson, stated that this incident serves as a wake-up call for Americans who value civil liberties, highlighting the dangers of silencing opposition.
However, resistance to Trump's authoritarianism is growing. Nationwide protests, including "No Kings" demonstrations and strikes, are taking place, with increasing public opinion turning against him. Congressional Democrats are attempting to cut off funding for ICE and restrict its conduct, signaling a shift in power dynamics.
Most recently, a special election in North Texas's 9th District saw Democratic candidate Taylor Rehmet defeat Republican Leigh Wambsganss by 14 points. A blue wave in the November midterms appears increasingly likely, assuming elections remain free and fair.
Federal judges are taking steps to uphold constitutional duties, such as ordering the release of a five-year-old child and his father from federal immigration custody. Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat notes that Trump's behavior is characteristic of strongman megalomania, which can ultimately lead to a leader's downfall and national ruin.
Behind the optimism among commentators and the American public lies a profound positivity and normalcy bias. The reality is dire, and many have short memories and little patience for change. Trump, his MAGA Republicans, and their allies control every organ of state power and will continue to use it to serve their own corrupt ends.
As pro-democracy Americans are reminded that the other side usually gets a say in the outcome, their hopes for a cowed Trump and an easy victory dissolve. The fight ahead will be fierce, but one thing is certain – the rule of law and democratic institutions must prevail.
this is getting out of hand 
no seriously tho, this dude is like a real life villain from a movie 
and his administration is like a supervillain lair 
all these detention centers andICE agents just seems so extreme 
and those journalists gettin arrested while doin their job? that's not right 
. Like, how can we trust our government when they're resorting to authoritarian tactics? It's crazy how some people can get caught up in this positivity bias and forget that there's real danger lurking beneath the surface. We need to stay woke and not let fear blind us 
. Remember, dissent is a fundamental right in any democracy, and we gotta protect it 
.
. This is a clear attempt to silence opposition and chill free speech. We need more voices speaking truth to power and holding those in power accountable 
.
. From "No Kings" demos to strikes, people are finding their voice and demanding change. It's heartening to see that not everyone has forgotten about the importance of defending democratic institutions 
.
. Ruth Ben-Ghiat's comments on Trump's behavior being characteristic of this phenomenon are really eye-opening. It's a reminder that even the most powerful leaders can have a fatal flaw, and we should always be vigilant for signs of it 
.
. It's not going to be easy, but with persistence and determination, we can ensure that our government truly serves the people 
. I mean, kidnap a president? Threaten countries? It's like he's tryin to recreate a dystopian novel 
. And those detention centers? Yikes, what's next? Mass internment camps? 
The FBI raid on the election office was lowkey chilling 
, and Don Lemon and Georgia Fort gettin arrested for doin their job? What's goin on with this guy? 
The fact that resistance is growin and protests are takin place is a good sign, but it's also clear we're in for a wild ride 
The US military just attacked Venezuela, meanwhile, people are still waiting in line for their morning coffee 
. And don't even get me started on the ICE agents in Minneapolis - like, can't we all just get along? 
. And now they're setting up these detention centers across the country, where people will be held for who-knows-how-long without any due process? It's like, totally dystopian stuff.
. I mean, come on, that's just journalism 101! You can't silence the press just because you're mad about something. And it's not like they were asking for trouble or anything.
". No, dude, that's not how it works. We need to wake up and realize that Trump is a danger to our democracy and human rights.
. And we need our judges and courts to hold Trump accountable for his actions.
. We need to stand together and fight for what's right, even if it means it gets tough 
.
and the detentions in minnesota? it's crazy! 
.
. And yeah, I agree with Ruth Ben-Ghiat – strongman megalomania is a thing, and Trump's behavior is a textbook example 
.
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. And those detention centers he's building? It's like something straight out of a dystopian movie 
.
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. like come on trump how many times do we have to tell you that democracy isn't a game of power and control 
. and what's up with the human rights campaign calling out Kelley Robinson for being woke? girl bye 
.
. those nationwide protests are a great start, but we gotta keep pushing for real change