This report documents Trump’s consistent pattern of manufacturing dramatic controversies and constitutional crises to distract from policy failures and declining approval ratings. This “distraction doctrine” follows a predictable three-step playbook and has escalated to unprecedented levels of violence against peaceful protesters and elected officials during his second term.
government overreach
The Authoritarian Playbook: From “Rioters” to Military Deployment in 48 Hours
In less than 48 hours, we went from ICE raids in Los Angeles to the federal government announcing plans to deploy 2,000 soldiers against American citizens. This wasn’t random—it followed a deliberate four-step strategy: conduct potentially unconstitutional raids, wait for people to protest (as the Constitution protects), label peaceful demonstrators as “rioters,” then use that … Read more
Peaceful Protest in Los Angeles: Legal and Constitutional Issues
In less than 48 hours, we went from ICE raids to military deployment against citizens exercising their Constitutional rights. For further reading and action steps see “The Authoritarian Playbook: Action Steps.” Peaceful Protest is a Protected Right The June 6-7, 2025, ICE raids and subsequent protests in Los Angeles have reignited debate over the legal … Read more