The Trump administration's sweeping definition of "domestic terrorism" - which encompasses a wide range of activities that would previously be considered constitutionally protected speech or political activism - is a thinly veiled attempt to justify the extrajudicial killings of civilians at sea and on land. The administration's National Security Presidential Memorandum 7, or NSPM-7, conflates anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, anti-Christianity, anti-fascism, and radical gender ideologies with "domestic terrorism," a term that has no basis in US law.
This new definition of domestic terrorism is not only a gross overreach of executive power but also has the potential to silence dissenting voices across the country. The administration's rhetoric about "domestic terror" bears striking resemblance to McCarthyism, where anyone deemed an enemy of the state was accused and punished without due process or trial.
In Minneapolis, federal agents killed two civilians, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were simply filming their activities as a form of free speech. The administration's decision to label them as "domestic terrorists" and justify their killings is a stark reminder that in the eyes of the Trump administration, dissenting voices are the enemy.
The administration's use of this definition of domestic terrorism raises serious concerns about its intentions to suppress opposition and silence critics. If allowed to stand, NSPM-7 would create a chilling effect on free speech and civil liberties across the country.
Experts argue that the definition of domestic terrorism in NSPM-7 is too broad and could be used to justify extrajudicial killings. The administration's use of this term to describe its opponents is a thinly veiled attempt to label them as terrorists, thereby justifying their suppression through any means necessary.
The Trump administration's assault on democracy has been well-documented, with the erosion of civil liberties, attacks on the free press, and attempts to undermine the rule of law. The latest definition of domestic terrorism is another example of this broader agenda to consolidate power and silence dissenting voices.
This new definition of domestic terrorism is not only a gross overreach of executive power but also has the potential to silence dissenting voices across the country. The administration's rhetoric about "domestic terror" bears striking resemblance to McCarthyism, where anyone deemed an enemy of the state was accused and punished without due process or trial.
In Minneapolis, federal agents killed two civilians, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were simply filming their activities as a form of free speech. The administration's decision to label them as "domestic terrorists" and justify their killings is a stark reminder that in the eyes of the Trump administration, dissenting voices are the enemy.
The administration's use of this definition of domestic terrorism raises serious concerns about its intentions to suppress opposition and silence critics. If allowed to stand, NSPM-7 would create a chilling effect on free speech and civil liberties across the country.
Experts argue that the definition of domestic terrorism in NSPM-7 is too broad and could be used to justify extrajudicial killings. The administration's use of this term to describe its opponents is a thinly veiled attempt to label them as terrorists, thereby justifying their suppression through any means necessary.
The Trump administration's assault on democracy has been well-documented, with the erosion of civil liberties, attacks on the free press, and attempts to undermine the rule of law. The latest definition of domestic terrorism is another example of this broader agenda to consolidate power and silence dissenting voices.