Democracy Under Siege
MAGA Terrorism, Foreign War, and the Accelerating Collapse of the American Experiment
This week, America crossed multiple political fault lines—and not quietly.
While the nation’s attention has been divided across courtrooms, campaign rallies, and foreign headlines, a disturbing new chapter has quietly opened at home and abroad: the rise of politically motivated violence and the unraveling of democratic norms. Two monumental stories unfolded nearly in tandem: the assassination of Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota by a Trump-supporting extremist, and the eruption of full-scale war between Israel and Iran, dragging U.S. troops into direct involvement.
These events are not unrelated. They point to a deepening crisis, both geopolitical and domestic, where the very foundations of liberal democracy are under active assault.
Domestic Terrorism Hits the Heart of State Power
In Minnesota, a man impersonating a police officer executed a deadly attack on Democratic lawmakers. Representative Melissa Hortman, former Speaker of the Minnesota House, was killed, along with her spouse. Senator John Hoffman was also shot and remains in critical condition.
The details are chilling. The assailant wore full body armor, had a mock police vehicle, and carried “No Kings” protest flyers—clearly intended as a threat to anyone planning to protest Donald Trump that day. This was not a spontaneous act of violence. It was premeditated, meticulously planned political terrorism.
And the implications are devastating.
Under Rep. Hortman’s leadership, Minnesota’s Democratic-controlled government passed sweeping reforms, including:
• Free school meals for all children
• Legalization of cannabis
• Paid family and sick leave
• Climate action mandating carbon-free electricity by 2040
• Universal background checks and red flag laws
• Bans on gay conversion therapy and toxic “forever chemicals”
• Expanded education funding and tax relief for working-class families
In short, the state had become a model of progressive governance—until this act of violence shattered its sense of safety and threatened its legislative future.
With one lawmaker confirmed dead and another possibly not surviving, this single attack could flip the balance of power in Minnesota’s legislature. That wasn’t incidental. It was the point.
A Global Powder Keg Ignites
As if that weren’t enough, a full-scale war has erupted between Israel and Iran. Israel initiated a massive strike, reportedly killing top Iranian military and political figures and bombing densely populated areas, including apartment complexes where children were among the casualties.
Iran responded with coordinated missile attacks on Israeli targets, including those located in civilian areas of downtown Tel Aviv. Among the hits was a building considered the Israeli equivalent of the Pentagon.
Now, in a dramatic escalation, Israel has begun bombing Iranian oil and natural gas facilities. This is a red line. Iran may retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for global oil and gas markets. Such a move would trigger a worldwide economic crisis, especially in conjunction with Trump-era tariffs that have already strained global trade and driven inflation.
And yes, U.S. troops are already involved. Reports confirm that American forces are currently assisting Israeli military operations, protecting assets, and preparing for further engagement.
So much for “no new wars.”
Connecting the Dots: The Authoritarian Creep
Let’s not pretend these crises are disconnected. The same figure sits at the center of both: Donald J. Trump.
Domestically, he has normalized violence, attacked protest rights, and vowed to use the military against dissent. Internationally, he enabled Israel’s aggression, believing—reportedly—that assassinating Iranian leaders would improve his chances of a nuclear deal. Instead, he was manipulated by Benjamin Netanyahu, and now we are watching his foreign policy legacy explode—literally.
Meanwhile, his base has taken his rhetoric to its logical, horrifying conclusion. A political hit job. A domestic terror campaign designed to kill Democrats and intimidate citizens exercising their First Amendment rights.
We are now checking every box on the fascism list:
• Authoritarian propaganda
• Political violence
• Suppression of free speech
• Targeting of opposition leaders
• Militarization of domestic response
• Foreign war under false pretenses
• Zero accountability at the top
This Is Not a Drill
There is no more room for polite euphemism or wishful thinking. The United States is amid a slow-motion authoritarian takeover, and the brakes are failing.
Democratic lawmakers are being gunned down in cold blood. Foreign wars are being waged under false assumptions. Protest is being criminalized. And the economic costs are just beginning to hit.
We are not “on the edge” of crisis. We are inside it.
If you’ve been waiting for the moment to act, speak, or organize, this is the moment.
Because from here, things get even more dangerous.
If this resonated with you, please consider sharing and becoming a paid subscriber. I discuss a variety of topics, but right now, my country’s descent into fascism is living rent-free in a lot of our heads. Fascism thrives in silence. Let’s not give it that.