Legal & Judicial Analysis - A federal judge ruled President Trump's deployment of troops to patrol Americans is illegal, resembling an illicit bid to create a national police force [2] - The ruling is based on a 19th-century law, the Posse Comitatus Act (PCA), forbidding the president from using the army for general law enforcement unless expressly authorized by the Constitution or an act of Congress [4][5] - The judge found Trump appeared to have an illicit purpose of creating a national police force with the president as its chief, raising concerns about autocratic national police forces [6] - The judge noted that Trump's DOJ's argument is so extreme that the President could assert he's unable to enforce obscure tax laws and then use the federalized National Guard to execute a range of laws, including election laws [11] - Judges are sounding the alarm and trimming Trump's powers, as he vows to appeal the case [14] Political & Governmental Implications - The concern is that Trump would use military powers to interfere in the election itself or in the vote counting if he thinks he might lose [12] - Trump's effort to explore getting the military to seize voting machines was abandoned when Giuliani said it went too far [13][14] - The administration's approach of seizing powers, threatening to defy courts, and trying to run out the clock resulted in months of troops in the streets of LA before the setback [15] - Trump is threatening to send troops to other places like Chicago, indicating a goal of a personalized police state which other leaders have used to try to steal elections and end democracy [20] Societal Impact & Response - The Democratic governor of Illinois responded to the president's remarks, refusing to call him and asking him to send troops to Chicago [23] - The governor urges citizens to know their rights, film things that they see happening in their neighborhoods, and be loud, as authoritarians thrive on silence [23][24]

Executive Orders & Federal Power - The President is using federal tools to exert power over Washington DC, attempting to end its cashless bail system in place since 1992 [3] - The President plans to target states with cashless bail systems like Illinois, seeking to defund them to force them to end these systems [6][7] - The President's actions are viewed by some as a "revenge tour" on cities led by African-American leaders, including Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington DC [9] Cashless Bail System - Crime rates in DC have fallen since the implementation of cashless bail in 1992 [4] - Experts argue that cash bail systems disproportionately harm low-income individuals, who may spend months or years in prison simply due to lack of funds [7] Deployment of Troops - There are plans to send troops, possibly National Guard or active duty, to cities like Chicago, potentially leading to legal challenges [2][14][15] - National Guard troops in DC are now armed, partly due to an increased number of guardsmen and potential security risks [11][12][13] Political & Constitutional Concerns - The President is accused of trying to concentrate power and impose his will without regard for laws, showing contempt for states' rights and voters [17][18] - Concerns are raised about the establishment of a "police state" and the President's use of executive orders to take away citizens' rights [19][10] - The President is accused of defunding cities, creating problems, and then presenting himself as the solution [21][22] - The Supreme Court and Congress are criticized for being passive in upholding their constitutional responsibilities [30]

Political & Social Commentary - The report suggests a concern about potential authoritarian overreach by the Trump administration, citing the deployment of National Guard members and federal agents in Washington DC [1][2][3] - The report highlights the perception of the administration's actions as targeting black and brown communities, particularly in cities with black mayors [13][14][20][22] - The report mentions the administration's involvement in cultural institutions, specifically the Kennedy Center Honors, and suggests potential political influence on the selection process [6][25][26][29] Legal & Constitutional Issues - The report raises questions about the legality and constitutionality of the federal government's actions in DC, particularly regarding the duration of the deployment without congressional approval [3][4] - The report mentions legal challenges to the administration's actions in Maryland and California, specifically regarding deportation orders and the deployment of the National Guard [5] Public Opinion & Impact - The report indicates that residents of Washington DC express concerns about the increased federal presence and its impact on their sense of safety and freedom [7][8][10][11] - The report suggests that the administration's actions are creating fear and anxiety among politically active residents, particularly black and brown individuals, potentially leading them to consider leaving the city [10][11] Crime & Policing - The report questions the administration's motives for deploying federal resources to address crime in DC, suggesting a focus on criminalizing black people rather than addressing the root causes of crime [13][14][16][17][18][20][21][22] - The report references the "stop and frisk" policing strategy and raises concerns that similar tactics may be implemented in DC [12][13]

RT Michael Shellenberger (@shellenberger)It's official. The UK is now officially a police state. It has become precisely what Orwell warned about. Criticize mass migration and you can expect the police to come to your home. And judges will give longer sentences for wrong think than many violent crimes. https://t.co/GEMs7CvwST ...