The article is discussing the recent actions of US President Donald Trump, who has been accused of using authoritarian tactics to consolidate power and undermine democracy. The author argues that Trump's actions are not just "unconventional" but a full-blown assault on democratic institutions.
Here are some key points from the article:
1. **Trump ignores court orders**: The president is ignoring court orders and disregarding the rule of law, which is a hallmark of authoritarian regimes.
2. **MAGA loyalists in charge**: Trump has appointed MAGA loyalists to key positions in the military and federal law enforcement agencies, undermining the professionalism and independence of these institutions.
3. **Department of Government Efficiency**: The president has created a new agency called the Department of Government Efficiency, which is stripping Congress of its power to control the purse strings.
4. **News outlets under investigation**: News outlets that have challenged Trump's policies or actions are being investigated or shut down, which is a classic tactic used by authoritarian regimes to silence dissenting voices.
5. **Press freedom in danger**: The article warns that press freedom is in danger due to Trump's attacks on the media and his attempts to control the narrative.
The author concludes that Trump's actions are not just "unconventional" but a full-blown assault on democracy, and that the US is facing an existential crisis. The author appeals for readers to support independent journalism and press freedom in order to defend democracy.
Some potential questions or discussion points related to this article include:
* What are the implications of Trump's actions on democratic institutions and the rule of law?
* How do authoritarian regimes typically consolidate power, and what tactics have been used by previous presidents or leaders?
* What role should independent journalism play in defending democracy, and how can readers support organizations like The Intercept that prioritize fact-based reporting?
* How should the US government respond to Trump's actions, and what steps can be taken to protect democratic institutions?
Here are some key points from the article:
1. **Trump ignores court orders**: The president is ignoring court orders and disregarding the rule of law, which is a hallmark of authoritarian regimes.
2. **MAGA loyalists in charge**: Trump has appointed MAGA loyalists to key positions in the military and federal law enforcement agencies, undermining the professionalism and independence of these institutions.
3. **Department of Government Efficiency**: The president has created a new agency called the Department of Government Efficiency, which is stripping Congress of its power to control the purse strings.
4. **News outlets under investigation**: News outlets that have challenged Trump's policies or actions are being investigated or shut down, which is a classic tactic used by authoritarian regimes to silence dissenting voices.
5. **Press freedom in danger**: The article warns that press freedom is in danger due to Trump's attacks on the media and his attempts to control the narrative.
The author concludes that Trump's actions are not just "unconventional" but a full-blown assault on democracy, and that the US is facing an existential crisis. The author appeals for readers to support independent journalism and press freedom in order to defend democracy.
Some potential questions or discussion points related to this article include:
* What are the implications of Trump's actions on democratic institutions and the rule of law?
* How do authoritarian regimes typically consolidate power, and what tactics have been used by previous presidents or leaders?
* What role should independent journalism play in defending democracy, and how can readers support organizations like The Intercept that prioritize fact-based reporting?
* How should the US government respond to Trump's actions, and what steps can be taken to protect democratic institutions?