‘How you get a real autocracy’: New memo lays groundwork for next phase of Trump’s crackdown

Political Landscape & Potential Impacts - The analysis suggests a strategic use of chaos by the administration, potentially masking controversial actions [1][2] - A presidential memorandum (NPM7) is identified as a potential tool for suppressing political speech and dissent by broadly defining "domestic terrorism" [4][5] - The memo grants the attorney general wide authority to designate groups as domestic terrorist organizations, potentially leading to investigations of protesters, donors, and those affiliated with targeted groups [6] - The administration's focus on Antifa, despite its decentralized nature, raises concerns about the potential for broad targeting of dissent and anti-government sentiment [12][13] - Concerns are raised about the weaponization of the justice system and the politicization of the military, potentially leading to autocratic tendencies [19] Legal & Constitutional Concerns - The analysis highlights the lack of a legal mechanism to formally charge someone as a domestic terrorist, raising concerns about the administration's approach [20] - The memo's language is criticized for potentially criminalizing civil disobedience and dissent, undermining fundamental freedoms of speech and assembly [24] - The memo's provisions are compared to instances of government overreach, such as phone checks of travelers and arrests of students, suggesting a pattern of suppressing opposition [25] - The analysis argues that the administration is attempting to create a narrative of widespread political violence to justify quashing dissent [28] Geopolitical & Social Issues - The administration's deployment of troops to Portland is viewed as a potential precursor to broader actions based on the new memo [8] - The analysis suggests a pattern of targeting cities in blue states, raising concerns about political motivations [15] - The analysis highlights the potential for the administration to target progressive organizations and NGOs, particularly those involved in civil disobedience [23]