Is it an exaggeration to say the United States of America is falling into the control of an authoritarian regime? We don’t think so. We believe this is happening right now and right in front of our eyes. Consider the following:
The Trump administration has supported reviving the ENCRYPT Act and advancing the STOP CSAM Act. Though framed as protecting children, both bills would compromise end-to-end encryption by introducing backdoor access for law enforcement, jeopardizing digital privacy for everyone.
Former intelligence officials who publicly criticized Trump have had their security clearances revoked.
ICE has signed 370 new 287(g) agreements with local police, dramatically expanding federal immigration enforcement while eliminating oversight panels.
The IRS has reportedly conducted selective audits of nonprofit organizations that fund protest bail and civil disobedience support, suggesting politically targeted enforcement.
“Trump 2028” merchandise has appeared on campaign sites, prompting alarm over flirtation with violating the 22nd Amendment’s two-term limit for presidents.
In 22 states, 41 bills have been introduced or passed that criminalize protest actions like roadway blockades and legally shield drivers who injure demonstrators.
The Pentagon has ordered the removal of books on race and gender from military academies and libraries, citing them as “divisive” or aligned with critical race theory.
The White House has repeatedly called for the impeachment of judges who block its immigration orders. Chief Justice John Roberts issued a rare public rebuke in response.
In defiance of a Supreme Court ruling in the Kilmar Ábrego García case, the White House delayed returning a deported immigrant to the U.S., prompting a constitutional crisis over executive defiance of judicial authority.
The pace and pattern of these actions suggest not isolated excesses but a coordinated strategy to consolidate executive power, dismantle accountability mechanisms, and undermine democratic resistance. This is how authoritarianism wins: not through a single moment of crisis, but through normalization, rationalization, and delay. Each step feels like only a slight shift from the last. And when the shock finally comes, the country has already changed.
The time to stand up is NOW – while resistance is still possible. Join us at Rotary Park in Princeton this Saturday at 11.
Many thanks to Sage Lewis for his invaluable master list!