Autocracy Watch
People often think democracy has nothing to do with everyday life, but when it’s weakened, corruption grows and public money meant for things like health care, food, and housing is stolen. Protecting democracy is essential to stop this corruption and make sure everyone has a fair chance at a decent life.
Autocratic playbook
Happening in America
Attack the free press
“Enemy of the people"; Multiple lawsuits against media outlets; threats to cancel broadcast licenses
Pardon your allies; arrest, handcuff, harass your adversaries
Pardoned January 6 rioters as well as Paul Manafort, Steve Bannon, Roger Stone. Arrested U.S. Congresswoman McIver and Newark Mayor Baraka; handcuffed U.S. Senator Padilla
Fight the peaceful transfer of power
January 6; State officials pressured to submit fraudulent slates of electors and to “find” votes
Arrest, attack and intimidate the judiciary
Arrested Judge Dugan; Attacked Judges Chutkan, Curiel, Engoran and Merchan among others
Minimize oversight and accountability
Fired inspectors general; Fired DOJ prosecutors who worked on Jan 6; effectively shut congressionally mandated Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Use military to control civilians
4000 National Guard and 700 Marines policing LA; 200 Marines sent to Florida to enforce ICE policy.
Financially reward allies
Trump sat in a Tesla on the White House front lawn, and bragged about how much money he made wealthy stock market investors through his manipulation of the market via tariff threats.
Penalize adversaries
Threatened to deport New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as well as student visa-holders.
Corruption
Peddling memecoins; private Jet gift from Qatar; numerous business deals in foreign countries; selling bibles, sneakers and watches.