Summary
Donald Trump’s recent rhetoric and actions suggest he may be preparing not just for an election, but for a “slow-motion coup.”
Despite being seen as an electoral liability for Republicans, Trump has primed his followers with narratives of stolen elections and positioned 2024 as an existential battle. This approach parallels far-right populist movements worldwide, where loyalty is signaled through belief in conspiracy theories.
With ongoing lawsuits, targeted claims of “non-citizen” voting, and support from some judicial figures, Trump’s strategy hints at an attempt to disrupt and delegitimize the electoral process if he loses.
And how?
You’ll hear responses like general strikes or large scale protests. I’m cynical, but I have a hard time believing anything can be done aside from voting and hoping it works.
The US is too spread out, patches of humanity too separated to make a general strike work. (what are people in rural Montana going to think when their one grocery store clerk doesn’t show up for work?)
Almost half of Americans actually want a coup so that the “right” people will be punished in a righteous fury - they don’t give a shit about reality or democracy (or even the hope of democracy).
I’m so fed up and broken down by it all.
By voting, staying informed, participating in protests, pushing stv ranked choice, boycotting unethical businesses.