Creating an army of hate

army of hate
EFE/EPA/SHAWN THEW

LENO ROSE-ÁVILA

Trump knows that even if he has a loyal «yes man» as head of the Department of Defense, to get immediate action, he will need a wild militia force ready and willing to act at a moment’s notice—even if it means breaking the law.

This president of ours has weaponized fear tactics to silence any reasonable voices within the Republican Party. First, he would run his handpicked candidates against incumbents in primary elections. Then, his followers would bombard officeholders, poll workers, and others with threats while so-called news outlets like Fox amplified his misinformation. Trump’s absurd campaign claiming he won the 2020 election was one of the most brazenly false campaigns in history, yet Republicans fell in line. Why? They feared being primaried or facing acts of violence.

The backbone of too many Republicans seems to be made of soft bathroom tissue—easily torn and flushed away. History will not judge them kindly, for they failed to put country over party.

In a bizarre and appalling move, Trump issued full pardons to convicted insurrectionists—people who sought to destroy our democracy. These were not petty criminals stealing candy bars; these individuals were convicted of trying to disrupt our sacred (or so I thought) election certification process.

“These are the hostages, approximately 1,500 for a pardon. Full pardon,” Trump declared in the Oval Office. But they were not hostages; they were convicted criminals. Some may not have wanted Trump’s pardon, but most eagerly accepted and went on their merry way—like a vengeful army unleashed. We can only hope Mike Pence and others remain safe.

Trump’s clemency orders included “a full, complete, and unconditional pardon to all other individuals convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on Jan. 6.” He also directed the Attorney General to dismiss approximately 450 cases still pending before judges.

Additionally, Trump pardoned 23 anti-abortion activists who had been convicted of illegally blockading a reproductive health clinic in Washington, D.C.

Over the past several years, we have witnessed the destruction of the Grand Old Republican Party. Principles and scruples have been thrown out the window or into the nearest trash bin. Any Republican who dared to question Trump became a target—not only them but their families as well.

This toxic environment led to the brutal attack on Nancy Pelosi’s husband, the violent assault on an FBI office, and the ruin of two election workers in Georgia whose lives were turned upside down by threats and harassment.

What has shattered the Republican Party is the relentless abuse and threats from MAGA extremists, who respond immediately whenever Trump points a finger at someone who disagrees with him. These MAGA followers don’t just attack individuals; they target their families and friends. This isn’t a new tactic—the John Birch Society used similar methods in the 1960s.

Trump knows the Supreme Court will likely shield his illegal and immoral actions. Meanwhile, his convicted MAGA troops now realize they can break laws, destroy lives, and potentially cause death and destruction—confident that they’ll be pardoned. This is profoundly dangerous. Trump is unleashing people who will break the law without fear of consequences.

For years, his platform has been rooted in racism, hate, and revenge. Now, he is expanding his army with these pardoned individuals. Police associations that supported Trump in the past might want to reconsider their blanket endorsements.

On January 24, 2025, President Donald Trump announced the immediate firing of at least 17 inspectors general across various federal agencies. This late-night mass dismissal, labeled a «Friday night coup» or «Friday night purge» by critics, has raised significant concerns about government oversight, accountability, and potential legal violations.

Inspectors general (IGs) serve as independent watchdogs within federal agencies tasked with investigating fraud, waste, and abuse. Their role is to ensure transparency and accountability in government operations. These officials are appointed to serve across administrations and are protected under federal law, which requires the president to provide a 30-day notice to Congress before dismissal.

Without these independent watchdogs, Trump’s “hate army” will have even more freedom to break rules, practices, and laws. And if caught? They can simply be pardoned.

Now, more than ever, we need whistleblowers and investigative journalists to join forces with those committed to protecting our Constitution, democracy, and—above all—our rule of law.

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