DSR's Words Matter How Much Worse Can It Get? (Spoiler Alert: Way Worse)
Nov 20, 2025
Norm Ornstein, a seasoned political analyst, joins David Rothkopf to dissect the alarming state of democracy as Donald Trump calls for extreme political violence against his opponents. They discuss the implications of Trump's rhetoric, the rise of militias, and potential threats of martial law. Ornstein warns of the Supreme Court's role in enabling presidential immunity, while the duo examines the Republican Party's responses and the escalating dangers as Trump's fortunes fade. Their conversation exposes the risks facing democratic norms in these turbulent times.
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Escalation Toward Political Violence
- Donald Trump has escalated rhetoric to openly call for execution of political enemies, signaling a dangerous normalization of political violence.
- Norm Ornstein warns this increases risk that unhinged followers or security forces could act on those calls.
Martial Law Is A Possible Option
- Trump may invoke the Insurrection Act or martial law if political and economic fortunes collapse.
- Both hosts view this as within his playbook as desperation increases.
Militias Are Primed To Act
- Significant portions of political violence stem from the extreme right and organized groups like Oath Keepers.
- Trump’s pardons and rhetoric have emboldened those groups to say they're ready to be called upon.