Analysis
Overview
The increasing use of force—whether through formal state institutions or encouraged paramilitary groups—is a classic hallmark of democratic backsliding.
Under Donald Trump’s second term, militarization of domestic governance and normalization of political violence have deepened.
1. Use of Federal Forces Against Protesters
In cities with significant anti-Trump demonstrations, federal agents and DHS personnel have been deployed with expanded authority:
- Protesters have reported detentions without identification or probable cause. (New York Post, May 2025)
- Governors and mayors in blue states have protested the incursions as violations of state sovereignty. (WSWS, May 2025)
- Military-grade equipment made available for use in urban crowd control. (BBC 2017)
These deployments are framed as efforts to “restore law and order” but functionally operate to suppress dissent.
2. Encouragement of Paramilitary Groups
Trump has continued to signal support for far-right groups:
- Regularly praises groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers at rallies. (Fortune, Jan 2025)
- Downplays politically motivated violence when committed by supporters. Business Insider, Jan 2025)
- Pardoned rioters convicted of January 6-related violence. (Wikipedia, Jan 2025)
This rhetoric blurs the line between state power and unofficial armed enforcement.
3. Legal Shielding of Political Violence
Recent executive actions and DOJ guidance either lays groundwork for or grants expanded legal immunity to:
- Removing accountability for Federal agents involved in use of force during protests. (Federal Register, April 2025)
- State militias deputized under federal emergency declarations. (The Conversation, November 2024)
These protections will increase incidents of brutality while reducing accountability.
4. Erosion of Civil-Military Norms
Military and law enforcement institutions have been politicized:
- Senior generals who criticized Trump have been sidelined or removed. (Washington Post, Feb 2025))
- National Guard deployments are increasingly directed from the White House. (Newsweek, Jan 2025)
- Military personnel have been encouraged to participate in political events and rallies. (The Wall Street Journal)
The military’s traditional separation from domestic politics is being systematically undermined.
5. Symbolic Militarism and Authoritarian Aesthetics
Trump's administration has embraced militaristic imagery and spectacle:
- Tanks and fighter jets featured in national celebrations. (The Guardian, May 2025)
- Use of security barriers and armored convoys during public appearances.(Sky News, Jan 2025)
These displays are used to project dominance, discourage dissent, and reinforce a “strongman” image.
Conclusion
The normalization of political violence and the expanded use of state force against civilians represent a dangerous escalation in democratic erosion. Trump’s second term has moved beyond rhetoric into systemic militarization—weakening civil protections, emboldening extremism, and reframing dissent as insurrection. The cost is not only human safety, but the democratic principle of civilian governance itself.