Key Takeaways:
– Trump’s new administration is setting its sights on vulnerable groups, starting with undocumented Black and Hispanic migrants.
– There are fears of large-scale deportations regardless of citizen status, referencing past historical instances under Presidents Hoover and Eisenhower.
– Critics and journalists are expected to experience increased scrutiny and potential backlash.
– Trump seems set to begin a reign of fear similar to other historical figures like Hitler, Pinochet, Mussolini, and Duterte.
When Trump was elected for a second time, the ambivalence was palpable. Many Americans questioned if his reign would lead to oppressive conditions or simply a retread of his previous term marked by advantageous policies for the wealthy and crony capitalism. Although mainstream media often paints him as just another eccentric political figure, the experiences of other nations under autocratic leadership serve as potential warnings— Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines brutally suppressed opposition within six months of his election, drawing chilling parallels.
Breakdown of Democratic Norms?
Leaders like Hitler in Germany, Mussolini in Italy, and Pinochet in Chile swiftly dismantled free press and arrested dissidents and journalists. This trend of autonomy decimation started with the targeting of marginalized communities. Hitler, for example, began by persecuting transgender individuals within his first two weeks in power. Similarly, Duterte began his reign with a war on drug addicts. In both instances, these leaders targeted the most helpless first, making it easier to gain public acceptance of their heavy-handed approach.
While Trump may have campaigned against trans people, it seems he has other vulnerable populations in mind this time: undocumented Black and Hispanic migrants.
Tactics of Intimidation
One of the fears is a return to a time of forceful door-to-door knockings in the middle of the night by armed men— especially for anyone who has a last name that ends with a vowel or ‘z’. The target is not just undocumented immigrants but anyone who resembles them— those with black hair and brown eyes.
Thomas Homan, who is often identified as the architect of Trump’s notorious child separation policy, is back in the mix. His previous record includes policies that led to nearly 1000 youngsters being lost into the ‘Christian’ adoption services, causing them to be forever separated from their families.
Historical Repeat?
Historically, America has seen such moves before. In the 1920s, under the Republican President Herbert Hoover, the country experienced a massive roundup and deportation of people primarily of Mexican ancestry. The police indiscriminately targeted Hispanic neighborhoods, leading to the arrest of as many as 2 million people. It’s estimated that around 40% – 60% of those deported were U.S. citizens by birth, but were unable to return due to lack of proof.
Post-WWII, President Eisenhower replicated a similar strategy, resulting in the deportation of 300,000 to 1.1 million individuals.
A Reign of Crackdowns?
If Mike Davis becomes Trump’s Attorney General, he is likely to endorse Homan’s harsh strategies, regardless of any potential wrongful imprisonment or deportation of U.S. citizens.
Moreover, a tweet from Stephen Miller, a constant figure in Trump’s circles, hints at plans to revoke the citizenship of naturalized U.S. citizens and incarcerate them along with undocumented immigrants.
A major concern is that this crackdown may not be limited to immigrants but may extend to political opponents and critics— from journalists to the progressive press. JD Vance’s recent comments indicate this possibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are increasing concerns about Trump’s return to power. As history has shown, leaders with autocratic tendencies often start with the weakest in society before extending their reach. It now remains to be seen how this chapter of American history will unfold. It’s clear, however, that vigilance and resistance will be key during this potentially tumultuous era.