By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Senator Elissa Slotkin revealed the Trump administration is compiling secret lists of domestic terrorist groups, raising concerns about the scope of National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 (NSPM-7). This directive, which broadens the definition of domestic terrorism, could lead to an expanded FBI watchlist. Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, expressed alarm that the administration is not being transparent about these lists, drawing criticism from other lawmakers. The creation of these lists, alongside the administration’s refusal to share information with Congress, has sparked warnings from experts and is seen by some as a greater infringement on freedoms than the Patriot Act.
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Senators Warn Trump Administration Is Developing Secret Watchlist of Americans
So, the whispers are getting louder, and the alarms are sounding. Senators are raising serious concerns about a secret watchlist being developed by the Trump administration, and frankly, it’s not exactly a surprise. The signs have been there, the hints dropped, and the patterns starting to emerge, all painting a picture that’s a little too dystopian for comfort. It seems like the pieces of the puzzle are finally coming together, and they reveal something quite unsettling.
The core of the issue seems to be a broadening of what’s considered “domestic terrorism”. It’s not just about direct threats or acts of violence anymore; the definition is being stretched to encompass groups and individuals who hold views that the administration doesn’t like. Criticizing their policies, voicing dissenting opinions on things like religion, family, or even immigration – all of these could potentially land you on the list. And of course, being associated with the LGBT+ community or, let’s be honest, simply opposing the administration’s views could easily be enough to raise red flags.
It seems the collection of data is part of the process, and there are some very shady actors involved. We’re talking about the potential for abuse of power on a massive scale. The scary part is that it feels like it’s not even particularly secret. The administration is seemingly bragging about it, almost daring anyone to challenge them. There’s a sense of “we’re doing this, what are you going to do about it?” And it’s chilling, frankly.
It’s easy to see how this could be used to silence dissent, intimidate critics, and control the narrative. Imagine a scenario where a donation to a cause the administration disapproves of suddenly gets you flagged. Or, maybe the simple act of expressing your opinions on social media gets you labeled as a potential threat. This isn’t just about surveillance; it’s about creating a chilling effect, a climate of fear where people are afraid to speak their minds.
And here’s the kicker – this isn’t just a Trump thing. There’s a feeling that these kinds of tactics are inherent in governments across the board. However, what’s truly frightening is when these lists are used not just for monitoring, but for something much darker. The examples cited point to the potential for the lists to be used to remove people, silence them, and worse.
The fact that the administration is seemingly partnering with companies like Palantir and Clearview AI is another huge red flag. These firms specialize in data collection and analysis, allowing for the gathering of information, and the ability to make conclusions. It raises the stakes dramatically, and there’s a very real concern that these companies are being used to build a massive database on every single American.
This isn’t a new tactic. It’s the playbook of authoritarian regimes throughout history. Now, we’re seeing it play out here. The rhetoric is clear: those who disagree, those who are “different,” are potential threats. The Navy recently issued instructions for troops, that any statements on social media considered “dangerous” could be subject to a watchlist. It’s creating an environment of fear.
What’s most alarming is the feeling that there’s no end in sight. The scope could widen at any time. And it raises a fundamental question: In a democracy, shouldn’t people be free to express their opinions without fear of reprisal? And, should there be more open discussion of these kinds of watchlists.
The whole situation feels like something out of a spy novel, but it’s real life. We’re potentially entering a period where every comment, every post, every affiliation, could be scrutinized and used against you. It’s a frightening prospect, and it demands immediate attention and action. The senators who are speaking out are right to be concerned. Now, it’s up to the rest of us to pay attention and hold those in power accountable.