Maddow: U.S. profoundly changed by authoritarian leader; 'We're beyond waiting and seeing now'

Authoritarianism in the US - The report argues that the US has crossed a line and is now under an authoritarian leader, consolidating a dictatorship [1][2][4] - It describes the presence of a secret police force acting with impunity, reminiscent of a cartoonish depiction of an authoritarian state [6] - The report highlights the scapegoating of immigrants and the framing of immigration enforcement as justification for extreme measures [7][8] - Military force is being turned inward, with expanded military zones and active duty troops involved in immigration enforcement on US soil [10][11][12] - The existence of black site prison camps, including new ones being built on military bases, is noted [13] - The report claims that protests are being criminalized, and media, universities, and law firms are being intimidated [14][15] - Government departments are being stripped of experts, and intelligence agencies and the Justice Department are being pressured to align with the leader's narrative [16][17][18] Resistance and Response - The report suggests that the focus should shift from averting authoritarianism to actively fighting it [19] - It emphasizes the importance of using democratic tools to resist, such as filming the secret police and publicizing their actions [22][23] - Opposition politicians are demanding access to immigration prisons, and citizens are protesting and making it difficult for authorities [24] - Constituents are challenging elected officials on their support for the administration's actions [25][26][27]