The David Pakman Show 7/9/25: Trump cuts off Epstein question, ready to take over US cities
Trump's Authoritarian Playbook Unfolds with DOJ Investigations and City Takeovers
Donald Trump is escalating authoritarian practices by weaponizing federal agencies against political enemies, exemplified by new criminal investigations into former CIA director John Brennan and former FBI director James Comey, sparked by Trump loyalists and defended with blatant political motives.
He suggests the federal government might take control over cities like Washington D.C. and New York City, bypassing elected local governments, signaling a chilling shift toward centralizing power without regard for democracy or local autonomy.
Trump's administration openly celebrates these moves, with his press secretary gleefully endorsing investigations as justice despite due process being undermined.
This hostile takeover framework reflects a deeper erosion of democratic norms, as Trump's actions echo historical authoritarian tactics, including military interventions in cities against local officials' wishes and federalizing governance to suppress dissent.
Trump Weaponizes DOJ for Revenge
- Donald Trump is weaponizing federal investigative agencies like the DOJ and FBI to politically retaliate against his perceived enemies.
- This approach closely mirrors authoritarian tactics of using the state to punish opponents under the guise of justice.
Trump Threatens City Takeovers
- Trump publicly threatened to federalize cities like Washington D.C. and New York, overriding local governance.
- This signals a chilling authoritarian shift aiming to centralize power and diminish local democracy.