Letters from an American A Deeply Unpopular Push
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Jul 19, 2026 A deep dive into a far-right conspiracy that recasts social programs and regulation as communist threats. Examination of efforts to delegitimize opponents through dehumanizing rhetoric and emergency powers. Analysis of election-security claims, intelligence on foreign interference, and moves to centralize voter data. Discussion of threats to journalism and the political push to dismantle the modern state.
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How Reactionaries Redefined The Modern State
- Heather Cox Richardson traces a modern conservative movement that brands routine government functions as a slippery slope to socialism.
- She links reactionary rhetoric to demonization of Black people, women, and welfare programs as un-American takers.
Unhumans Book As A Far‑Right Playbook
- Heather recounts the far-right book Unhumans and its authors Jack Posobiec and Joshua Lissick as a manifesto to 'unhuman' opponents.
- She cites Stephen Bannon's introduction and Donald Trump Jr.'s blurb positioning it as a playbook to 'save the West.'
Trump's Policies Are Dismantling The Modern State
- Richardson argues Trump has empowered far-right officials to actively dismantle the postwar modern state across regulation, health, research, and international norms.
- She lists concrete policy moves: slashed regulations, cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, and weakened global institutions.
