This Is What Autocracy Looks Like
Context:
Michelle Goldberg expresses concern over the authoritarian actions taken by President Donald Trump following his re-election, specifically his deployment of military forces against protestors in Los Angeles. These protests, largely peaceful, emerged in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, with the administration portraying them as insurrections to justify military intervention. The situation in Los Angeles is depicted as a fabricated crisis, underscoring Trump's manipulation of narratives to consolidate power and silence dissent. Goldberg highlights the importance of public figures speaking out against these actions to counteract the administration's propaganda and maintain democratic principles. She warns that the ongoing shift towards autocracy under Trump's leadership necessitates a strong response from those who value freedom and democracy in the United States.
Dive Deeper:
Trump's recent actions in Los Angeles, deploying the National Guard and Marines against protestors, are seen as a move towards martial law, justified by an exaggerated portrayal of the protests as violent insurrections, despite police reports of them being largely peaceful.
The administration's definition of insurrection includes any protest that may inhibit law enforcement, thus broadening the scope for military intervention even in peaceful demonstrations, such as those surrounding ICE raids.
David Huerta, a union leader, was arrested for peaceful protest, illustrating the administration's intent to intimidate and silence dissent, with charges that could lead to significant prison time, highlighting the authoritarian approach towards civil disobedience.
Public opinion remains malleable, and the administration's narrative of Los Angeles as 'occupied territory' with foreign influences aims to justify its actions, necessitating vocal opposition from leaders and citizens to combat these falsehoods and defend democratic values.
The historical context of Trump's previous actions, such as the St. John’s Church incident in 2020, demonstrates the potential for public and political backlash against his tactics, suggesting that disorder does not inherently benefit his administration, particularly when it is seen as instigated by him.
Democratic leaders have been cautious in confronting Trump’s immigration policies, focusing on other issues to avoid political backlash, but the deployment of military forces in American cities compels a more direct response to prevent further erosion of democratic norms.
Goldberg emphasizes the symbolic importance of upcoming demonstrations under the 'No Kings' banner, urging citizens to resist fear and assert their commitment to living in a free country, despite the administration's attempts to suppress opposition.