In recent political developments, Yves presents a sobering view on the implications of the Mamdani victory in New York City, alongside Democratic wins in New Jersey and Virginia’s gubernatorial races. Despite these successes, concerns remain that the Trump administration will not capitulate to the demands of the electorate. Speculations abound that Trump might attempt to remain in power beyond 2028 through various undemocratic means—be it suspension of elections, another coup-like maneuver, or election manipulation designed to secure a compliant Congress. Notably, Larry Wilkerson highlights how the peculiar Trump birthday parade may serve to identify military personnel supportive of Trump. In a recent discussion with Nima, Wilkerson noted (see starting at 11:11:45) that several of his contemporaries foresee a coup threat, and the military is being subtly reorganized to facilitate such an event. He suggests that even a single brigade could catalyze a regime change if the rest of the armed forces do not intervene, an outcome he expects.
This paints a rather bleak picture of the current political landscape. Concerns about Trump’s ongoing encroachment on voter rights are justified, as is criticism of the Democratic opposition for its lack of a robust response. Although the analysis that follows argues that Trump’s recent maneuvers may be more bluster than substance, he continues to test the limits of acceptable political behavior, hoping for an advantage. With the judicial system largely accommodating him, he risks making strides that defy logic.
A particularly alarming possibility emerges if the ongoing shutdown is not resolved in the next couple of weeks: the risk of food riots, something often associated with developing nations. Should Trump deploy the National Guard to suppress such unrest and they resort to violence, the repercussions could echo the tragedy of Kent State, albeit on a much larger scale. During the Vietnam War, as images of violence reached American homes, public sentiment shifted. Given Trump’s existing unpopularity, a blunder of that magnitude could ignite a genuine crisis.
While speculation is rife, and Wilkerson’s colleagues are anticipating a coup, it becomes increasingly clear that the United States is straying far from familiar norms. It is not unreasonable to consider scenarios that would have previously been dismissed as improbable.
By Brett Wilkins, staff writer at Common Dreams. Originally published at Common Dreams
President Donald Trump is reportedly drafting an executive order aimed at overturning voting rights. This measure may specifically target mailed ballots, according to a senior official in the administration.
“The White House is currently developing an executive order intended to enhance election security in our nation and to prevent the blatant voter fraud we’ve witnessed, particularly in California with its all-encompassing mail-in voting system,” stated Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
“As with any executive order, it is well within the president’s authority and complies with the law,” she further clarified.
When pressed by a reporter to provide evidence of electoral fraud in California, Leavitt asserted—without evidence—that “it’s just a fact.”
Her statements came shortly after Trump unfoundedly criticized California’s vote-by-mail system in a post on his Truth Social platform.
“The Unconstitutional Redistricting Vote in California is a GIANT SCAM. The entire process, particularly the Voting itself, is RIGGED,” he claimed without substantiation. “All ‘Mail-In’ Ballots, which leave Republicans in that State ‘Shut Out,’ are under serious legal and criminal scrutiny. STAY TUNED!”
Previously, Trump has vowed to eliminate mail-in ballots, a commitment legal experts deem unconstitutional.
This announcement also coincided with crucial elections across the country, including California’s Proposition 50 concerning retaliatory redistricting; the New York City mayoral race featuring progressive Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa; gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia; and a competitive race for Minneapolis mayor, highlighted by state Senator Omar Fateh’s (D-62) attempt to unseat three-term Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey.
Furthermore, this follows a federal judge’s permanent injunction against part of Trump’s executive order that mandated proof of U.S. citizenship for federal voter registration.
Defenders of democracy have vehemently refuted Trump’s claims against mail-in voting and his unfounded allegations of voter fraud—claims that lack any factual basis.
“Voting by mail, as authorized by state law, is perfectly legal,” ACLU Voting Rights Project director Sophia Lin Lakin affirmed in a statement on the organization’s website addressing Trump’s March order.
“In his extensive executive order, Trump aimed to intimidate states into disregarding ballots that were properly received after Election Day, under state law, through threats to withhold federal funding,” she elaborated. “A federal court has temporarily blocked this component of the executive order.”
“Trump’s initiative to target mail-in voting represents an overt overreach, infringing on states’ constitutional rights to establish election procedures,” Lin Lakin added. “This could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters and would disproportionately affect historically marginalized communities, including voters of color, naturalized citizens, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly, by imposing unnecessary obstacles to the fundamental right to vote.”
