If you value independent, pro-democracy analysis, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to support my work:
On Sunday, I was happy to join MSNBC’s The Weekend hosts
and Eugene Daniels with to talk about Trump’s D.C. takeover, his threats to target other Democratic-led cities, and what’s really motivating his increasingly erratic authoritarian overreach.Here’s the truth: this isn’t about crime. Thirteen of the twenty U.S. cities with the highest murder rates are in red states — but Trump never names them. Instead, he zeroes in on blue cities in blue states with Black mayors and declining crime. Trump isn’t restoring safety. As I outlined in my latest article, he’s simply manufacturing crises in an effort to grab power, deflect from his scandals, and mask his political weakness.
As I explained on air, Trump governs by emergency, not by popular mandate. He needs crises, real or totally fake, because that’s how he falsely justifies expanding executive power. But the more he escalates, the more transparent it becomes: this is spectacle, not strength. With his approval rating just three points away from its post–January 6 low, Trump is showcasing fake displays of force because he feels weak and knows his unpopular actions are backfiring on him.
You can watch a clip of my MSNBC appearance above, check it out on MSNBC’s YouTube channel, or see it on social media, where it seems to be going viral on Twitter/X. It was a really great segment that I was grateful to be part of!
A quick personal note from me: As this newsletter grows in impact and circulation, I just have to once again thank all of you for being subscribers! You have made this work possible, especially those of you who are paid subscribers. Now, we’re pushing back on President Trump’s lies and authoritarian actions in meaningful ways.
I appreciate all of you,
-Ahmed
Thank you for watching! In the face of unrelenting disinformation and authoritarian actions, clear truth-telling and independent media are a necessity. If you value in-depth analysis through a pro-democracy lens, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to my newsletter. Paid subscribers empower this work and gain access to exclusive benefits. Your support makes a difference.
Share this post