Politics Weekly America Has Trump turned the US into a police state?
Jun 13, 2025
Judith Levine, an author and journalist for Guardian US, discusses the alarming shift towards authoritarianism under Donald Trump. She highlights the deployment of military forces against protesters and critiques the increasing militarization of domestic law enforcement, especially around immigration policies. Levine addresses the implications of these actions for civil liberties and the balance of power. With looming military parades and rising political tensions, she warns about the risks facing democracy and the pervasive surveillance practices affecting citizens.
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Trump's Aggressive Deportation Tactics
- The Trump administration escalated deportation raids in Los Angeles, targeting immigrants including those with no criminal record.
- This heavy-handed approach triggered widespread protests and raised concerns about abuse of power.
Militarizing Domestic Law Enforcement
- The National Guard, typically controlled by state governors, was deployed by Trump to guard federal buildings in LA, an unusual use.
- This shows a troubling militarization of domestic law enforcement under the current administration.
Authoritarian Shift in America
- Trump’s use of the military and armed forces to suppress protests signals a shift toward authoritarianism.
- This strategy extends beyond LA and threatens democracy nationwide.