Authoritarian government advances under Trump

The Trump administration is well on its way to cementing authoritarian rule in the United States. Trump is illegally using the military to police American cities. It’s probable this is a precursor to declaring martial law, and using it as an excuse to federalize elections. The Department of Defense under Pete Hegseth is a wild cannon. It’s not coincidental that the top military personnel who were fired without cause were women and Blacks.

Robert Kennedy Jr is destroying trust in the science of public health measures. Tulsi Gabbard outed an undercover intelligence officer. Credible news outlets are being sued over factual reporting. Trump acknowledges Charlie Kirk’s death as a political assassination but not Minnesota legislator Melissa Hartman’s. This seems to be a validation of violence when it’s used against a political adversary.

While the executive branch is ripping through established law and norms, Congress is doing nothing to exercise their constitutional duties. The Supreme Court is issuing “emergency” rulings without explanation of the justification.

They want us to feel defeated. Resist. Donate whatever you can to candidates who share your values. Show up at local rallies regardless of the weather; numbers matter to this president whether he truthfully acknowledges them or not. The time to turn the tide of history is now if we believe in equality for all and not just for a white, wealthy male elite.

Carolyn Stephenson

Cedar Rapids