Trump: A Clear and Present Danger
Defend Democracy: Every Vote Counts
We are at Code Red as the United States enters the final weeks of the 2024 election. Donald Trump is not just another candidate—he represents an unparalleled threat to the very foundations of American democracy. His escalating authoritarian rhetoric, which yet again includes calls to jail perceived ‘enemies’ such as Democrats, journalists, and military and national security officials, lays the groundwork for Trump’s intent to dismantle critical democratic institutions.
This election is anything but typical; it is a battle for the survival of democracy itself, and the alarms should be sounding across the entire country. There are no both sides to this issue—the media must fulfill its duty to ensure that the public comprehends this threat and stop allowing certain pundits to gaslight the narrative as we near the election.
The Authoritarian Turn
Trump's rhetoric in the final stretch of his campaign has escalated to dangerous levels. His speeches are filled with warnings of an “enemy from within,” which he defines as anyone who opposes him politically. Trump has repeatedly suggested using the military and law enforcement to crack down on what he calls “radical left lunatics,” demonizing not just political rivals but anyone who dares to criticize him. These are the words of an autocrat. Trump has embraced the tactics of fascism, seeking to undermine the rule of law and silence dissent, in a way that endangers the very principles on which American democracy is built.
Trump's vision for his second term is clear: he intends to consolidate power, dismantle the rule of law, and surround himself with loyalists who will follow his every command. This is not speculation—he has openly promised to be a "dictator on day one" and has shown a clear willingness to tear down the checks and balances that define American governance. In his first term, Trump faced resistance from within, as government officials opposed him and took steps to block his most dangerous impulses. This time, however, Trump has learned from his failures. He will not make the same mistake. Instead, he plans to fill key positions with loyalists who will carry out his will without regard for the Constitution or democratic norms. His return to power would mark the end of democratic accountability and the beginning of unchecked autocratic rule.
Parallels with Putin's Russia
Trump's authoritarian instincts closely mirror the playbook used by Vladimir Putin. One of the first actions Putin took upon coming to power was to install loyalists in key institutions and seize control of the media. Trump is mirroring this pattern and has been laying the groundwork by labeling journalists as the "enemy of the people" and calling for CBS's broadcasting license to be revoked. Moreover, Trump's associates are compiling a list of perceived enemies for retribution, targeting journalists, activists, government officials, and Democrats, including all former Democratic presidents, for potential imprisonment. Putin framed political opponents as enemies of the state and wielded state power to suppress dissent. Trump has adopted these same tactics, demonizing his political rivals and portraying them as threats to national security instead of recognizing them as legitimate challengers within a democratic framework.
Putin's grip on Russia is maintained through fear, propaganda, and the elimination of political competition. Similarly, Trump has used disinformation to create an alternate reality where he is the sole protector of the nation, and anyone who opposes him is a traitor. This is a classic authoritarian tactic: frame the leader as the only force capable of saving the nation while casting dissent as treasonous.
Disinformation as a Political Weapon
A cornerstone of Trump’s political strategy is disinformation, a tactic perfected by Soviet and Russian intelligence agencies, including the KGB. Trump has relied on fabricating and disseminating lies and conspiracy theories to shape public opinion, sow division, and undermine trust in democratic institutions. Whether it’s the lie of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election, his lies about crime and immigration, or his baseless accusations against political opponents, Trump has consistently used disinformation as a tool to destabilize democracy.
This is not just about misleading the public—it is about creating an environment where the truth becomes irrelevant, and power can be seized without accountability. In this respect, Trump’s political strategy bears a striking resemblance to the KGB’s disinformation campaigns, which sought to confuse and manipulate Western democracies during the Cold War. By blurring the line between fact and fiction, Trump weakens the very foundations of democratic society.
Secret Conversations with Putin
Adding to the alarm is Trump’s continuing secretive relationship with Putin. Since leaving office, Trump has reportedly spoken to Putin at least seven times privately. The secrecy surrounding these talks is deeply troubling, particularly given Trump’s history of admiring authoritarians while undermining America’s traditional alliances. These conversations have raised serious concerns about what was discussed behind closed doors. Especially as Russia continues its full-scale invasion and genocide against Ukrainians, Trump intervened by demanding that Republicans block the weapons package to Ukraine. This resulted in a seven-month delay, allowing Russia to make significant territorial gains and leaving Ukrainians with a critical shortage of weapons to defend themselves against the ongoing onslaught.
During his first term, Trump repeatedly downplayed Russian aggression, refused to hold Putin accountable for election interference, sided with Russia’s intelligence services while trashing ours, and even wanted to withdraw the U.S. from NATO—a move that would dismantle the cornerstone of European security and leave the door wide open for Russian expansionism. Trump’s private conversations with Putin, combined with his disdain for NATO and his reluctance to support Ukraine, suggest that a second Trump presidency would be a danger to global security.
The Threat to NATO and Ukraine
One of the most dangerous aspects of Trump’s foreign policy vision is his desire to withdraw the United States from NATO. During his first term, he frequently questioned the value of the alliance, calling it “obsolete.” This is not idle rhetoric. Trump has repeatedly indicated that he would be willing and would encourage Russia to pursue aggressive attacks against NATO countries, fundamentally undermining the collective defense principle that has kept Europe safe since World War II.
Trump’s disinterest in Ukraine’s survival is equally alarming. Despite the bipartisan support for Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression, Trump has shown little concern for Ukraine’s fate. His attempt to withhold military aid to Ukraine unless it launched a political investigation into Joe Biden was an early signal of his willingness to prioritize personal gain over national security.
A second Trump term would lead to the abandonment of Ukraine, leaving Ukrainians vulnerable to Russian occupation. Given Trump's track record, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to consider that he might even assist Russia in its efforts to take over Ukraine and potentially other nations that Russia has signaled it desires.
Mark Milley’s Warning
The dangers posed by Trump are not just theoretical; they have been confirmed by some of the highest-ranking officials in the U.S. military. Former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair General Mark Milley warned that Donald Trump is a “fascist to the core” and a grave threat to the country. Milley’s statement carries enormous weight, as he witnessed firsthand how Trump’s authoritarian instincts played out during his first term.
Milley’s warning should serve as a wake-up call. Trump is not just another politician; he is a leader who has shown a clear disdain for democratic norms and a willingness to use any means necessary—including violence— to stay in power. His calls to use the military to suppress dissent, his disinformation campaigns, his secretive relationship with Putin, and his admiration of dictators all point to a future where American democracy could be replaced with a regime that more closely resembles Putin’s Russia.
Trump Demands Unwavering Loyalty
Trump once complained to Kelly about his generals, saying, “You f---ing generals, why can’t you be like the German generals?” When Kelly asked for clarification, Trump specified, “The German generals in World War II.” Kelly, a retired Marine general, pointed out that those generals "tried to kill Hitler three times and almost pulled it off." Trump dismissed this historical context, insisting, “No, no, no, they were totally loyal to him.” Kelly later confirmed this account, stating that he emphasized to Trump that the American generals’ first loyalty is to the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law. He expressed concern over Trump’s “unwillingness to accept that the American generals should not be loyal to him as the German generals were to the leader of Germany,” reminding Trump of the generals' attempts to assassinate Hitler.
Code Red
As the 2024 election nears, Americans must confront the existential threat that Trump represents to our democracy and way of life. His authoritarian rhetoric, disinformation tactics, and calls for jailing political enemies, along with advocating for a mass deportation force to sow chaos and confusion, are stark indicators of a leader intent on consolidating power at any cost. If Trump were to return to the White House, the United States would descend into autocratic rule. This alarming shift would dismantle the international order that has maintained global security for decades, leading to instability not only within America but across the globe.
We are at Code Red. The future of democracy—both in the United States and around the globe—hangs in the balance.
No one can afford to sit out this election. The stakes have never been higher, and every vote is crucial in determining the future of our democracy.