Thanks for your erudition. It occurred to me recently that djt’s financial profiting from the presidency may be an ultimate form of revenge: making the entire country pay for not unilaterally praising him. One example being $1767 billion slush fund.
Hmm, feels like yesterday. Last night He put on a red hat at the end of the correspondents dinner that said Trump 2028. So he’s not finished messing with this country. I am so over him. And yes, Professor Ben-Ghiat, thank you for your wisdom and help in these times. I know I would be a basket case without you.
August 10, 2016 Ruth wrote for The Atlantic, "An American Authoritarian". We saw the patterns for decades.
1989 NYT's ad from chump about the Central Park Five calling for their execution after they were finally exonerated. That was my first exposure to the racist and that took me aback.
What's hard to fathom are the number of experts who saw this build while we appeared to do nothing (and by 2010 Vought was hard at work to destroy us).
Prescient and chilling. And we've had six more years to watch this horrible evolution, which continues his isolation, self-delusion, and desire for revenge against opponents and supposed enemies everywhere. Whenever I think we've hit rock bottom, he does something else. And I wonder: just how bad will it get before this nightmare is over? We do need to be aware, be prepared, and brace ourselves. And we need to fight for democracy, every day.
I saw the other day, something from tRump that reflected his mental state. He said that he expected other nations to obey him. This is something that I woud expect from someone who sees themself as the king of the world. But it also reflects his grandisose self-image of delusional omnipotence. I've known sociopaths but have never met one as sick as this guy. Clearly Dark Tetrad Personality; clearly dangerous.
He is ignoring the House vote to stop the Iran conflict. Impeach, convict, remove.
Trump has ignored his tariff denouncement from his Supreme Court, too!
He is still imposing tariffs and collecting illegal monies. Trump does whatever he wishes and desires! Many examples from his actions but no one even notices or stops him?
He must be impeached for lying about everything and harming people across America and impacting the world. He’s betrayed our country and ruined the country with his self centered kleptocracy. He’s entire world view is selfish, venal and corrupt. His war with Iran is a disaster and too many soldiers are in harms way. He’s incapable of thinking differently due to his ego and advancing mental deterioration. He’s not capable of thinking about the American people in any meaningful sense. ICE 🧊 is an ongoing threat and trauma.
Prescient words when you wrote them, Ruth. It is too bad that the country didn't heed them. We are living today with the results of too many people not understanding the entirely predictable consequences of reelecting trump.
I am forever grateful for you sharing your knowledge and expertise with us, Ruth.
For all the reasons you state, it is a frightening time and place we're in. There is a little solace though in having some idea of what to expect and being pro-active about thwarting it. Your guidance to prepare, identify and implement counter measures might help us come out on the right side of this horrific time.
hello I could not attend on Friday. My husband says there is a zoom tonight but I cannot find a link or info. he says he heard about it on Friday. I think he may be mistaken, but in case he is not, could someone please tell me. the premium membership perhaps? thanks.
Thabk you for being on it from the get-go! Like so many others I’m sure you were frustrated when the powers that could make a difference did not. Certainly Graham and McConnell were in that number who could have convicted Trump and prevented this slide. Psychiatrists Jerrold Post and Bandy Lee had been warning about his inability to concede well before the 2020 election.
Yes, it was a rocky transition! Still is.
Yup!
Thanks for your erudition. It occurred to me recently that djt’s financial profiting from the presidency may be an ultimate form of revenge: making the entire country pay for not unilaterally praising him. One example being $1767 billion slush fund.
I don't see the theft and grift as a revenge, but as a raison d'etre for his entire presidency.
Hmm: greed TRUMPS revenge.
Hmm, feels like yesterday. Last night He put on a red hat at the end of the correspondents dinner that said Trump 2028. So he’s not finished messing with this country. I am so over him. And yes, Professor Ben-Ghiat, thank you for your wisdom and help in these times. I know I would be a basket case without you.
Trump admin's corruption & incompetence is beyond shocking. Please bring on a Blue Tsunami! https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/23/business/media/new-york-times-subpoenas-withdraw.html?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZpRQJRI__Ehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-xt9-D4XkY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2QA5H3fQAo
August 10, 2016 Ruth wrote for The Atlantic, "An American Authoritarian". We saw the patterns for decades.
1989 NYT's ad from chump about the Central Park Five calling for their execution after they were finally exonerated. That was my first exposure to the racist and that took me aback.
What's hard to fathom are the number of experts who saw this build while we appeared to do nothing (and by 2010 Vought was hard at work to destroy us).
Prescient and chilling. And we've had six more years to watch this horrible evolution, which continues his isolation, self-delusion, and desire for revenge against opponents and supposed enemies everywhere. Whenever I think we've hit rock bottom, he does something else. And I wonder: just how bad will it get before this nightmare is over? We do need to be aware, be prepared, and brace ourselves. And we need to fight for democracy, every day.
Your 2020 piece was visionary for sure.
I saw the other day, something from tRump that reflected his mental state. He said that he expected other nations to obey him. This is something that I woud expect from someone who sees themself as the king of the world. But it also reflects his grandisose self-image of delusional omnipotence. I've known sociopaths but have never met one as sick as this guy. Clearly Dark Tetrad Personality; clearly dangerous.
He is ignoring the House vote to stop the Iran conflict. Impeach, convict, remove.
Trump has ignored his tariff denouncement from his Supreme Court, too!
He is still imposing tariffs and collecting illegal monies. Trump does whatever he wishes and desires! Many examples from his actions but no one even notices or stops him?
Ignoring the checks from Congress and SCOTUS are impeachable offenses. The lack of action is baffling.
He must be impeached for lying about everything and harming people across America and impacting the world. He’s betrayed our country and ruined the country with his self centered kleptocracy. He’s entire world view is selfish, venal and corrupt. His war with Iran is a disaster and too many soldiers are in harms way. He’s incapable of thinking differently due to his ego and advancing mental deterioration. He’s not capable of thinking about the American people in any meaningful sense. ICE 🧊 is an ongoing threat and trauma.
Prescient words when you wrote them, Ruth. It is too bad that the country didn't heed them. We are living today with the results of too many people not understanding the entirely predictable consequences of reelecting trump.
Ruth,
Thank you for the continuous coverage and warning of what to expect.
I am forever grateful for you sharing your knowledge and expertise with us, Ruth.
For all the reasons you state, it is a frightening time and place we're in. There is a little solace though in having some idea of what to expect and being pro-active about thwarting it. Your guidance to prepare, identify and implement counter measures might help us come out on the right side of this horrific time.
As always Ms. Ruth you were spot on! It is still rocky and I'm afraid it will get even more rocky, unfortunately.
hello I could not attend on Friday. My husband says there is a zoom tonight but I cannot find a link or info. he says he heard about it on Friday. I think he may be mistaken, but in case he is not, could someone please tell me. the premium membership perhaps? thanks.
Ruth Ben ghiat standing up with the truth for democracy, thanks
I have been trying to cancel my subscription which just self- renewed. Please cancel it. Thank you,
Skye Haberman
Brilliant analysis! Thank you.
Thabk you for being on it from the get-go! Like so many others I’m sure you were frustrated when the powers that could make a difference did not. Certainly Graham and McConnell were in that number who could have convicted Trump and prevented this slide. Psychiatrists Jerrold Post and Bandy Lee had been warning about his inability to concede well before the 2020 election.
MOSF 19.5: Dangerous Charisma: Unpacking Trump’s Leadership and His Followers’ Mentality https://eastwindezine.com/mosf-19-5-dangerous-charisma-unpacking-trumps-leadership-and-his-followers-mentality/
And now we are all just waiting for the tipping point when enough people will feel injured by Trump and MAGA that they will flee the cult.
Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience" and MLK's "Letter from a Birmingham Jail": Do not go along to get along, with tyranny
Conscience must disrupt an unconscionable status quo
https://sunmoonlight.substack.com/p/thoreaus-civil-disobedience-and-mlks