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Skip NavigationThe New RepublicThe New RepublicLATESTBREAKING NEWSPOLITICSCLIMATECULTUREMAGAZINENEWSLETTERSPODCASTSGAMESThe New Republic The New RepublicPodcasts HomepageThe New RepublicThe New RepublicLATESTBREAKING NEWSPOLITICSCLIMATECULTUREMAGAZINENEWSLETTERSPODCASTSGAMESThe New Republic The New Republic Podcasts HomepageThe Daily Blast with Greg Sargent/October 24, 2024PODCASTHarris’s Harsh Takedown of Trump over “Hitler” Bombshell Hits the MarkAs Trump’s former chief of staff reveals shocking details about his dictatorial intentions, the Wisconsin Democratic Party chair explains how this could give Kamala Harris a way to win the election.Kenny Holston/Pool/Getty ImagesVice President Kamala Harris in Washington, D.C., on July 25Donald Trump’s former White House chief of staff John Kelly just revealed that he believes Trump will rule as a dictator and a fascist—and that he mused aloud about having his generals function as Hitler’s generals did. Kamala Harris jumped on this news to highlight the dire threat posed by a second Trump term. Can Harris translate this bombshell into a strong closing message in swing states that will decide this election? We talked to Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler, who walks us through what Harris must do to win the state—and what a closing argument about the dangers posed by Trump might accomplish. Listen to this episode here. A transcript is here.                                                                       The Daily Blast with Greg SargentTNR’s Greg Sargent takes a critical look at the day’s political news and the stories leading NewRepublic.com, and speaks to leading journalists and newsmakers. Read More: Podcast, Politics, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Daily BlastBreaking News“Atrocious”JD Vance Warns Ukraine’s Zelenskiy to Shut up and Obey TrumpEllie Quinlan Houghtaling“Atrocious”Ellie Quinlan HoughtalingJD Vance Warns Ukraine’s Zelenskiy to Shut up and Obey Trump:100:Republicans Happily Roll Over as Trump Declares Himself KingEdith Olmsted:100:Edith OlmstedRepublicans Happily Roll Over as Trump Declares Himself King🌊 Trump Declares Himself King as He Kills Congestion Pricing in New YorkHafiz Rashid🌊 Hafiz RashidTrump Declares Himself King as He Kills Congestion Pricing in New YorkLatest From PodcastPODCASTTranscript: Stephen Miller Rages on CNN as Musk’s DOGE Lie ImplodesThe Daily Blast with Greg SargentPODCASTThe Daily Blast with Greg SargentTranscript: Stephen Miller Rages on CNN as Musk’s DOGE Lie ImplodesPODCASTStephen Miller Rages at CNN Host as Musk’s Latest DOGE Fiasco ImplodesThe Daily Blast with Greg SargentPODCASTThe Daily Blast with Greg SargentStephen Miller Rages at CNN Host as Musk’s Latest DOGE Fiasco ImplodesBREAKING NEWS POLITICS CLIMATE CULTURE MAGAZINE PODCASTS GAMESEventsTravelBookstoreDonateAdvertiseFAQPressJobsSubmissionsSubscribe to The New RepublicSign Up for Our Newsletters Terms and ConditionsPrivacy PolicyCookie SettingsCopyright 2025 © The New Republic. All rights reserved.









It is sometimes hard to believe that 2 weeks from today we will be waking up to the news that the American voters have voted to end 250 years of freedom and democracy and replaced it with an authoritarian government with no respect for the rule of law - which includes the Constitution.

I still hear people say that certain things will not happen because the Constitution prohibits it. But the Constitution is just some paper and ink. It has no power to enforce its rules. The enforcement must come from people willing to enforce it. There no longer seems to be enough people willing to give voice to the principles in the Constitution to give it sufficient force. Not only will the President be somebody who has no interest in the Constitution or the principles of government it contains, the majority of the House and Senate will almost certainly be people who, when put in a position to choose between Trump and the Constitution, choose Trump.

What will this criminal authoritarianism be like?

First, Trump will simply stop all federal prosecutions against him or anybody or helped him in his past criminal activities. He (and his Republican allies) will put pressure on states to end their prosecutions as well.

Second, expect Trump to pardon those criminals who either worked to benefit Trump or who sufficiently flatter him. The message here will be clear. Those who benefit Trump need not worry about whether they are breaking the law. Legal prohibitions (e.g., campaign laws) only apply to those who challenge Trump.

Third, consistent with the above, expect the Justice Department to begin sham investigations of those who criticize Trump. Democrats in the House and Senate, Democratic governors, reporters, performers.

The technique Trump will use is one that he is already well known for. Some reporter or social media influencer will post a rumor (without evidence) that the target did something wrong. Trump will tell the Justice Department to launch an investigation. The accused will be required to spend huge amounts of money to come up with the records that the government will demand. The government will comb those records for signs of a crime that they can then charge the accused with committing.

This is the technique that Trump has used for 50 years in business. He has refused to pay vendors, and, if his victims put up any kind of protests, he has his lawyers drive the critic into bankruptcy with legal costs. This time, he will put the Justice Department to work using the same tactic.

Fourth, Trump will begin to use the government to enrich businesses that support his regime and to impoverish businesses that they do not like. We can expect the stock market to reflect this dynamic. Smart investors will start moving their money to pro-Trump companies and selling shares in businesses that will become the target of Trump’s retribution. Elon Musk, for example, will be able to get any political favors he asks for so long as he directs X to serve Trump’s interests. Musk knows this. He is banking on it.

That’s just the beginning.