Authoritarian Watch

Protesters led by a coalition of interfaith religious leaders demonstrate against US immigration policy outside the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego, California.

Trump’s “Defensive Operation” Against the World Trump’s “Defensive Operation” Against the World

From ICE detention centers in San Diego to the war in Iran, Trump has been trying to "defend" our country, while making the lives of many miserable instead.

Mar 6, 2026 / Sasha Abramsky

President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber at the Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC.

For 108 Minutes, Trump Gave a Tedious Mussolini Impersonation For 108 Minutes, Trump Gave a Tedious Mussolini Impersonation

It was most mendacious State of the Union in US history. It was also the longest.

Feb 27, 2026 / Column / Sasha Abramsky

Official portraits of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance displayed at the Federal Communications Commission headquarters in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Trump’s FCC Accidentally Gives Democrats a Boost Trump’s FCC Accidentally Gives Democrats a Boost

MAGA’s hate machine is—at least temporarily—sputtering.

Feb 20, 2026 / Column / Sasha Abramsky

President Donald Trump departs after making an announcement in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 12, 2026.

The Republican Crack-Up Has Begun The Republican Crack-Up Has Begun

Even conservatives are fleeing the GOP as more and more Americans turn against Trump’s authoritarian project.

Feb 13, 2026 / Column / Sasha Abramsky

US President Donald Trump departs following an event in Clive, Iowa, US, on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.

Trump’s Dictatorial Mania Is Increasing—but So Is the Public’s Fury Trump’s Dictatorial Mania Is Increasing—but So Is the Public’s Fury

Trump is retreating into a fantasy world in which he remains an all-conquering strongman. Yet the American people are rejecting him over and over again.

Feb 6, 2026 / Sasha Abramsky

Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY).

An Open Letter to Congressional Republicans of Conscience An Open Letter to Congressional Republicans of Conscience

For the good of the country, it’s time to cross the aisle.

Jan 30, 2026 / Column / Sasha Abramsky

President Donald Trump walks toward Marine One after arriving at Zurich Airport before attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, on January 21, 2026, in Zurich, Switzerland.

At Davos, the World Watched the Rantings of a Despot At Davos, the World Watched the Rantings of a Despot

President Donald Trump has turned his back on the liberal world order—and Europe is unlikely to follow.

Jan 23, 2026 / Sasha Abramsky

President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he walks to board Marine One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 11, 2026.

The Week of Colonial Fever Dreams From a Sundowning Fascist The Week of Colonial Fever Dreams From a Sundowning Fascist

The news was a firehose of stories of authoritarian behavior. We can’t let ourselves drown.

Jan 16, 2026 / Column / Sasha Abramsky

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speak with members of the National Guard during a visit to Union Station on August 20, 2025, in Washington, DC.

The Ugly Beast of American Authoritarianism The Ugly Beast of American Authoritarianism

Might is right is the philosophy behind the Trump administration’s decision to kidnap Nicolás Maduro.

Jan 8, 2026 / Column / Sasha Abramsky

Demonstrators rally against President Donald Trump during a protest, dubbed “Resist the Dictator,” to mark President's Day on February 17, 2025, in New York City.

How to Save a Democracy How to Save a Democracy

Looking at how the Trump administration fits into a pattern of authoritarian governance can empower people to think about how to best resist the country’s slide to autocracy.

Jan 2, 2026 / Sasha Abramsky

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