The term “psikhushkas” refers to KGB-run psychiatric hospitals in the Soviet Union, where political dissidents were imprisoned and tortured under the guise of mental illness. This historical context is directly relevant to a new bill cosponsored by Representatives Davidson and Moore, proposing NIH research into “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” The bill aims to investigate the syndrome’s origins, impacts, and potential interventions, raising concerns about its potential misuse and Orwellian implications. This proposed research, utilizing existing NIH funding, seeks to analyze the role of media and polarization in shaping political violence.
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Prominent El Salvadoran human rights lawyer Ruth Eleonora Lopez, a vocal critic of President Nayib Bukele and advocate for deported Venezuelan migrants, was arrested on Sunday. Authorities allege embezzlement from a decade prior, a charge rejected by Cristosal, the human rights group where Lopez works. Her arrest, condemned by Amnesty International and other groups, is viewed as a manifestation of increasing authoritarianism under Bukele’s administration. The refusal to disclose Lopez’s location or allow legal access further fuels concerns about due process violations.
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A large portrait of Donald Trump has been installed on the USDA headquarters, juxtaposed with a picture of Abraham Lincoln. This has drawn strong criticism, with many comparing the move to authoritarian regimes like North Korea and the Soviet Union due to its propagandistic nature. The placement next to Lincoln, a symbol of democracy, is particularly controversial. While the USDA claims the banner honors both Lincoln and Trump, critics also point to budget cuts under Trump’s administration as ironic.
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Donald Trump’s presidency exhibits numerous characteristics of an autocratic regime, including disregard for scientific consensus, assault on legal institutions, and erosion of civil liberties. Political scientists utilize models of incremental autocratization, identifying the U.S. as having already progressed through three stages: social turmoil, a project of radical change, and a decisive electoral victory. The nation now teeters on the fourth stage, dismantling checks and balances, evidenced by threats to judicial authority and the potential for unlawful detention. Continued movement along this path risks further infringement of basic rights and freedoms, transforming the U.S. into a competitive authoritarian state.
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To celebrate its 163rd anniversary, the USDA displayed large banners of Presidents Trump and Lincoln on its building. The prominent placement of the Trump portrait, reminiscent of authoritarian regimes, sparked considerable online criticism, with many drawing comparisons to propagandistic imagery. Secretary Rollins, who recently implemented significant policy changes including rescinding DEI programs and workforce reductions, defended the display as celebrating Trump’s vision for the department. The timing coincides with a large-scale employee resignation program initiated by the Trump administration.
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The erosion of democratic norms in the United States, evidenced by instances such as the extrajudicial imprisonment of legal residents and the suppression of dissent, has prompted three Yale professors—experts in authoritarianism—to relocate to the University of Toronto. Their departure represents a protest against the administration’s attacks on civil liberties and a recognition of the severity of the democratic backsliding. The professors highlight the vulnerability of American democracy and warn against complacency in the face of escalating threats. This exodus serves as a stark warning of the fragility of democratic institutions and the potential for further regression.
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Stephen Miller’s recent statement regarding the Trump administration “actively looking at” suspending habeas corpus is deeply troubling. The very suggestion of such an action strikes at the heart of fundamental American legal principles and raises serious concerns about the potential for authoritarian overreach. The idea that the government could detain individuals indefinitely without due process, without the right to challenge their imprisonment before a court, is a stark departure from the established rule of law.
This proposed suspension, even if framed within the context of the Constitution’s provision allowing for such action in cases of rebellion or invasion, is alarmingly vague.… Continue reading
Following a government-mandated week of free bus rides in El Salvador due to highway construction, President Nayib Bukele ordered the arrest of five bus company heads for allegedly defying the order. The arrests, for charges including “breach of duty,” followed widespread chaos and overcrowded buses, despite the government claiming to cover all lost revenue. The bus companies cited confusion over the sudden announcement and payment issues for daily-wage drivers. These actions are consistent with Bukele’s controversial, heavy-handed governance style, which has drawn international criticism.
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One hundred days into Donald Trump’s second term, he boasts of unprecedented success, claiming to control both the nation and the world. However, this self-congratulatory narrative clashes sharply with widespread public disapproval, reflected in historically low approval ratings and a significant portion of the public labeling him a dictator. Expert analysis reveals deep divisions within the country, fueled by Trump’s actions eroding democratic norms and institutions, while simultaneously enriching himself. Concerns are mounting regarding the potential for further authoritarianism and the urgent need for a unified response to protect American democracy.
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US Defense Secretary Hegseth’s plan to drastically reduce the senior ranks of the military is deeply troubling. This involves removing key figures like the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other high-ranking officers, a move that raises serious concerns about the integrity and independence of the armed forces.
The stated rationale for these actions is unclear, but the underlying implication suggests a desire to install individuals who are unequivocally loyal to the current administration, regardless of their adherence to constitutional principles. This raises troubling parallels to historical instances of authoritarian regimes purging military leadership deemed insufficiently compliant.
The removal of experienced and highly qualified officers represents a significant weakening of the military’s leadership structure.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood