Slate Daily Feed What Next | Trump’s Brittle Authoritarianism
Jun 12, 2025
Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times columnist known for his keen historical insights, discusses Trump's recent actions, including deploying troops to California. He examines the symbolism of military parades, suggesting they signal desperation. The conversation highlights the fragile nature of authority, explores the implications of military presence during protests, and calls for a stronger political opposition. Bouie also stresses the importance of understanding power dynamics and the historical context of authoritarianism in the current political landscape.
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Frontline Journalist's Protest Account
- Journalist Jeremy Lindenfeld was on the front lines covering immigration raids and protests in Los Angeles.
- He captured a striking video of a protester taunting border agents despite them firing many rounds.
Violence Reveals Brittle Authority
- The use of violent force signals brittle authority rather than true power.
- Legitimate authority is voluntarily obeyed without coercion, reflecting real societal power.
Federal Force Shows Weakness
- Federal military deployments against protesters are historically rare and reveal political weakness.
- Examples like Hoover's army clearing Bonus Army show weakness, not strength, of leadership.