Fiona Hill, a former US National Security Council advisor, warns about the rapid growth of authoritarianism in the US under President Trump's second term. The article details a pattern of actions violating the US Constitution and democratic principles. These actions range from extreme immigration policies and abuses to targeting political opponents and curtailing freedom of expression.
The Trump administration is accused of revoking visas without notice and mistreating foreigners. This affects tourists, workers, students, and researchers, leading to a significant drop in visitors and qualified professionals. The article highlights cases of deportations without due process, including the deportation of a Venezuelan teenager who was arrested based on arbitrary claims.
The administration is accused of persecuting individuals with political stances deemed subversive, particularly those with pro-Palestinian views. Examples include the arrests of activists and students without sufficient evidence, based on their participation in protests or publications.
The use of AI-powered software to track individuals, including those seeking abortions or immigrants, is cited as an alarming example of technocratic control and surveillance. Companies like Palantir are said to play a significant role in providing these technologies to government agencies.
The article points to plans to establish prisons in El Salvador, raising concerns about extraterritoriality and the potential disregard for legal rights outside US borders. There is speculation that these prisons could also house US citizens.
The article presents a bleak outlook, with experts comparing the situation to the rise of authoritarian regimes in the past. There are statements about how various legal rulings have been largely ignored by the administration, raising severe concerns about the future of the rule of law in the United States.