What Next | Daily News and Analysis Trump’s Brittle Authoritarianism
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Jun 12, 2025 
In a thought-provoking discussion, Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times columnist known for his historical insights, and Jeremy Lindenfeld, a reporter focused on climate and inequality, dive into Trump’s military posturing in California. They analyze the implications of federal troop deployment, questioning whether these moves reveal a desperation for control. The conversation also broaches the historical context of government crackdowns on protests, drawing parallels to state responses and the challenges faced by Democrats in opposing authoritarianism effectively.
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Protester Defies Border Agents
- A protester taunted border agents by dancing near pepper balls and provoking them while walking away.
- He was shot with over 50 munitions yet confronted agents with defiance, famously flipping them off.
Violent Force Shows Brittle Authority
- Exercising violent force signals brittle authority rather than strength.
- True power lies in people willingly obeying rules without coercion, showing legitimacy and consent.
Federal Force Against Protesters Rare
- Federal military force against protesters is rare historically, unlike police violence.
- The 1932 Bonus Army March is a key example of army violence against civilians under unpopular leadership.