An opinion piece arguing that Donald Trump is fulfilling his campaign promises to erode democracy by escalating responses to protests, particularly in Los Angeles, and using federal power to suppress dissent. This includes deploying National Guard and Marines, considering the Insurrection Act, and targeting immigration enforcement.
Opinion: Donald Trump campaigned on eroding democracy. Now, he’s just fulfilling his promises
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An opinion piece arguing that Donald Trump is fulfilling his campaign promises to erode democracy by escalating responses to protests, particularly in Los Angeles, and using federal power to suppress dissent. This includes deploying National Guard and Marines, considering the Insurrection Act, and targeting immigration enforcement.
Trending- 1 Late May: Stephen Miller instructs ICE to increase arrests of 'illegal aliens.'
- 2 Over the weekend: Protests erupt in Los Angeles against ICE raids and Trump's immigration policies.
- 3 Monday: Trump administration mobilizes more National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles.
- Escalation of protests, potential for increased violence, federal overreach into state affairs, erosion of democratic norms, potential for Trump to invoke Insurrection Act, possible arrests of political adversaries.
What: Donald Trump's administration is escalating its response to protests in Los Angeles, deploying federal forces and considering further authoritarian measures, which the author argues is a fulfillment of his campaign promises to erode democracy.
When: Late May (Trump administration started 'fire' with ICE directives), Over the weekend (LA protests began), Monday (Trump mobilized more National Guard troops and Marines), 2020 (George Floyd protests), 2023 (Trump's statement about 'not waiting' next time).
Where: Los Angeles, California, United States.
Why: Trump aims to suppress dissent and demonstrate federal power, using the protests as a pretext to implement authoritarian policies he previously campaigned on, including aggressive immigration enforcement and military deployment against protests.
How: Stephen Miller instructed ICE to conduct mass arrests of 'illegal aliens.' Trump deployed National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles, potentially invoking the Insurrection Act. He has also mused about arresting political adversaries and defying court orders.