Of course he is; half the country openly despised him, and millions wanted him prosecuted. Now he’s back in power, unchecked, his ego bruised and desperate for revenge. Trump’s behavior isn’t complicated. He’s narcissistic, aggressive, and has long admired mob-boss bravado. Even his supporters acknowledge (and often celebrate) his bullying style.
But let’s be honest: what did we expect would happen?
Trump thrives on chaos. He doesn’t just expect resistance; he actively provokes it.
Why?
Because nothing would satisfy his narrative more than the ability to label dissenters as “insurrectionists.” He desperately wants to utter that word (“insurrection”) to justify deploying overwhelming, military-level force against civilians.
The disturbing reality is clear: images of military force confronting protesters excite Trump. It’s authoritarian theatre, plain and simple. This Saturday, liberals and those who oppose Trump’s authoritarian tactics will fill the streets. They’ll protest passionately and, yes, some may react fiercely.
Trump is counting on that.
He wants this escalation. He’s practically begging for it. And when it happens, he will swing the heaviest stick he’s got.
We’re on the brink of something dangerous.
Trump wants an excuse to unleash disproportionate violence. He wants the photos, the videos: the optics of dominance. But this isn’t a game. Real lives hang in the balance. Real democracy hangs in the balance.
We must recognize this threat clearly, now. Resist wisely. Protest peacefully. Don’t give him the narrative he craves. History is watching, and democracy depends on how we respond.
EDW•
