Matthew Specter
@matthewspecter.bsky.social
Historian of political ideas, Sr Fellow@UC Berkeley’s Institute European Studies;
lecturer @Santa Clara U; editor at HISTORY & THEORY; author, THE ATLANTIC REALISTS (Stanford 2022), write on IR theory, 20th cent. Germany, transatlantic intellectual history
lecturer @Santa Clara U; editor at HISTORY & THEORY; author, THE ATLANTIC REALISTS (Stanford 2022), write on IR theory, 20th cent. Germany, transatlantic intellectual history
Pinned
Grateful to Linda Kinstler for interviewing me for this outstanding synthetic essay on the meanings, uses and abuses of “realism”, with smart takes from a wide range of scholars in academia and think tanks; I’m drawing on my Stanford UP book The Atlantic Realists, and related writings since.
Reposted by Matthew Specter
Again, there is one constitutional mechanism for solving problems like "The president threatens to nationalize & overturn valid elections." For the previous 45 presidents, it would have been used already. Everyone is just kidding themselves at this point & pretending there are other solutions.
👇🎯💯 This is the inescapable conclusion that <everyone> in 🇺🇸 politics & the entire national media cannot bring themselves to make. There is nothing Trump can do at this point to un-disqualify himself, & there are no laws Congress can pass to fix it.
The <only> mechanism is impeachment & removal.
The <only> mechanism is impeachment & removal.
The inescapable conclusion that neither the NYT nor WaPo editorial board can bring themselves to make is that this administration has to end. Its response to these killings—let alone the killings themselves—is obscene and totally disqualifying.
February 2, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Again, there is one constitutional mechanism for solving problems like "The president threatens to nationalize & overturn valid elections." For the previous 45 presidents, it would have been used already. Everyone is just kidding themselves at this point & pretending there are other solutions.
Grateful again to Linda Kinstler for her engagement with my work on realist tradition and its connections to imperialism, primacy and restraint.
Here she is interviewed about the piece, and in discussion with Steven Wertheim of Carnegie Endowment:
historyasithappens.libsyn.com/what-is-real...
Here she is interviewed about the piece, and in discussion with Steven Wertheim of Carnegie Endowment:
historyasithappens.libsyn.com/what-is-real...
History As It Happens: What is Realism?
for 24/7 access to the entire catalog of 500+ episodes, ad-free listening, and bonus content. Non-subscribers may listen to only the 40 most recent episodes. The Trump administration's National Securi...
historyasithappens.libsyn.com
February 2, 2026 at 6:38 PM
Grateful again to Linda Kinstler for her engagement with my work on realist tradition and its connections to imperialism, primacy and restraint.
Here she is interviewed about the piece, and in discussion with Steven Wertheim of Carnegie Endowment:
historyasithappens.libsyn.com/what-is-real...
Here she is interviewed about the piece, and in discussion with Steven Wertheim of Carnegie Endowment:
historyasithappens.libsyn.com/what-is-real...
Reposted by Matthew Specter
I am absolutely sickened by the many rich, powerful & famous men whose names are being outed in these files as having gone to Epstein's island.
Rep. Thomas Massie & I always said this would be a moral reckoning for our nation.
Looks like that reckoning begins today.
Rep. Thomas Massie & I always said this would be a moral reckoning for our nation.
Looks like that reckoning begins today.
January 31, 2026 at 6:53 PM
I am absolutely sickened by the many rich, powerful & famous men whose names are being outed in these files as having gone to Epstein's island.
Rep. Thomas Massie & I always said this would be a moral reckoning for our nation.
Looks like that reckoning begins today.
Rep. Thomas Massie & I always said this would be a moral reckoning for our nation.
Looks like that reckoning begins today.
Reposted by Matthew Specter
I am not just a no, but a firm no.
I will be making the case to all House Democrats to vote no on the appropriations bill, which does not repeal the tripled ICE funding.
I will be making the case to all House Democrats to vote no on the appropriations bill, which does not repeal the tripled ICE funding.
February 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM
I am not just a no, but a firm no.
I will be making the case to all House Democrats to vote no on the appropriations bill, which does not repeal the tripled ICE funding.
I will be making the case to all House Democrats to vote no on the appropriations bill, which does not repeal the tripled ICE funding.
Reposted by Matthew Specter
What stands out in the released Epstein files isn’t just who’s named — it’s what’s missing. There’s little visible evidence of sustained follow-up with lawyers for the men in Epstein’s orbit. And without that, prosecutions rarely move forward.
@donlemonofficial.bsky.social
@donlemonofficial.bsky.social
February 2, 2026 at 5:29 PM
What stands out in the released Epstein files isn’t just who’s named — it’s what’s missing. There’s little visible evidence of sustained follow-up with lawyers for the men in Epstein’s orbit. And without that, prosecutions rarely move forward.
@donlemonofficial.bsky.social
@donlemonofficial.bsky.social
Repellent and disturbing images from the U. of Illinois student Republicans posted to their Instagram, and since removed
February 2, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Repellent and disturbing images from the U. of Illinois student Republicans posted to their Instagram, and since removed
Reposted by Matthew Specter
🔴 This is the first federal lawsuit over President Trump’s alleged “drug boat” strikes. trib.al/13n2AkC
Families of Boat Strike Victims Sue Trump Admin for Murder
This is the first federal lawsuit over President Trump’s alleged “drug boat” strikes.
trib.al
January 31, 2026 at 5:29 PM
🔴 This is the first federal lawsuit over President Trump’s alleged “drug boat” strikes. trib.al/13n2AkC
Reposted by Matthew Specter
shocked to learn that Ernst Runt over here is an antisemite
New:Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol field leader, made disparaging remarks in reference to the U.S. attorney in Minnesota, an Orthodox Jew, people with knowledge of the phone call said.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/u...
Bovino Is Said to Have Mocked Prosecutor’s Jewish Faith on Call With Lawyers
www.nytimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 5:09 PM
shocked to learn that Ernst Runt over here is an antisemite
Reposted by Matthew Specter
I'm Kat Abughazaleh and I approve this message.
January 31, 2026 at 4:53 PM
I'm Kat Abughazaleh and I approve this message.
Reposted by Matthew Specter
Trump Reacts as Australia Mocks Melania’s Movie
YouTube video by Abby Desk
youtu.be
January 31, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Reposted by Matthew Specter
This was a disturbing assault on @repilhan.bsky.social, who is frequently the target of vilifying language by fellow elected officials and members of the public.
Mr. Kazmierczak has been charged with one felony count of terroristic threats and one count of fifth-degree assault.
Mr. Kazmierczak has been charged with one felony count of terroristic threats and one count of fifth-degree assault.
January 29, 2026 at 8:40 PM
This was a disturbing assault on @repilhan.bsky.social, who is frequently the target of vilifying language by fellow elected officials and members of the public.
Mr. Kazmierczak has been charged with one felony count of terroristic threats and one count of fifth-degree assault.
Mr. Kazmierczak has been charged with one felony count of terroristic threats and one count of fifth-degree assault.
Reposted by Matthew Specter
So, incredibly, the White House has chosen to escalate in blue Minnesota and retreat in Maine to protect a vulnerable GOP Senator.
It's confirmation that Trump-Vance-Miller view ICE as a partisan govt-backed militia to attack blue America while propping up their regime. 1/
It's confirmation that Trump-Vance-Miller view ICE as a partisan govt-backed militia to attack blue America while propping up their regime. 1/
Maine Senator Susan Collins said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem informed her that ICE will end the immigration enforcement surge in the state.
ICE ending Maine surge, Senator Collins says - The Boston Globe
Collins said in a statement that she had pushed Noem and other Trump administration officials to have ICE “reconsider its approach to immigration enforcement in the state.”
trib.al
January 29, 2026 at 12:55 PM
So, incredibly, the White House has chosen to escalate in blue Minnesota and retreat in Maine to protect a vulnerable GOP Senator.
It's confirmation that Trump-Vance-Miller view ICE as a partisan govt-backed militia to attack blue America while propping up their regime. 1/
It's confirmation that Trump-Vance-Miller view ICE as a partisan govt-backed militia to attack blue America while propping up their regime. 1/
Reposted by Matthew Specter
Worth knowing.
popular.info/p/the-corpor...
popular.info/p/the-corpor...
The corporate enablers of the ICE crackdown
How Amazon, AT&T, and Citizens Bank are profiting from the administration’s mass deportation campaign.
popular.info
January 27, 2026 at 11:40 PM
Worth knowing.
popular.info/p/the-corpor...
popular.info/p/the-corpor...
Reposted by Matthew Specter
Join my conversation with Misha Collins tomorrow, Wed. Jan. 28 at 12:30 PM ET – we'll be talking about Minnesota, Ukraine, and defending democracy.
We’ve all seen the paramilitary forces in US cities ignoring due process. We’re starting to wonder: will democracy survive?
We need guidance, so tomorrow 1/28 @ 12:30 PM ET we’re talking LIVE with expert on combating authoritarianism & author of On Tyranny, Timothy Snyder! mishacollins.substack.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:04 AM
Join my conversation with Misha Collins tomorrow, Wed. Jan. 28 at 12:30 PM ET – we'll be talking about Minnesota, Ukraine, and defending democracy.
Reposted by Matthew Specter
Haitians in Springfield, Ohio lose temporary protected status on February 3rd. There will very likely be a major ICE incursion the next day. Haitians in Springfield were the targets of Vance’s lying during the campaign.
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/28/t...
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/28/t...
'The folks are fearful.' Haitians living in Ohio may soon lose temporary protected status • Ohio Capital Journal
Thousands of Haitians living in Ohio will lose their temporary protected status next week unless a federal court blocks it.
ohiocapitaljournal.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:04 AM
Haitians in Springfield, Ohio lose temporary protected status on February 3rd. There will very likely be a major ICE incursion the next day. Haitians in Springfield were the targets of Vance’s lying during the campaign.
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/28/t...
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/28/t...
Reposted by Matthew Specter
and here is another
ilapmaine.org
ilapmaine.org
ILAP Maine
ilapmaine.org
January 27, 2026 at 3:16 PM
and here is another
ilapmaine.org
ilapmaine.org
Reposted by Matthew Specter
After a whole news cycle suggesting Republicans are Responding to the Polls and Moderating… Donald Trump’s DHS stands by calling Alex Pretti a “domestic terrorist:
FOX NEWS: Are you standing by calling Pretti a domestic terrorist?
McLAUGHLIN: Well, we'll let this investigation ...
FOX NEWS: Ok. So I guess it stands.
McLAUGHLIN: Well, we'll let this investigation ...
FOX NEWS: Ok. So I guess it stands.
January 27, 2026 at 3:15 PM
After a whole news cycle suggesting Republicans are Responding to the Polls and Moderating… Donald Trump’s DHS stands by calling Alex Pretti a “domestic terrorist:
Reposted by Matthew Specter
74% of Democrats support abolishing ICE, with 53% *strongly* supporting it according to a recent YouGov poll.
Wouldn’t it be great if Democratic leadership actually represented the desires of most Democrats?
Wouldn’t it be great if Democratic leadership actually represented the desires of most Democrats?
Majority of the country now wants to abolish and/or dismantle ICE and yet Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. told the caucus the message had to be to “restrain, reform and restrict ICE.”
Once again it looks like Schumer is about to choke after getting a massive opportunity.
So pathetic and weak.
Once again it looks like Schumer is about to choke after getting a massive opportunity.
So pathetic and weak.
Senate Democrats plot strategy as DHS standoff deepens heading into shutdown week
Two sources who were on a Democratic caucus strategy call Sunday said Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told the group the message must be to “restrain, reform and restrict ICE.”
www.nbcnews.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:12 AM
74% of Democrats support abolishing ICE, with 53% *strongly* supporting it according to a recent YouGov poll.
Wouldn’t it be great if Democratic leadership actually represented the desires of most Democrats?
Wouldn’t it be great if Democratic leadership actually represented the desires of most Democrats?
Reposted by Matthew Specter
Friends, I recommend you ALL get on the phones and or send emails first thing tomorrow telling @democrats.senate.gov NO FUNDING FOR ICE. NONE.
They are, per Chris Coons, planning to negotiate body cameras. This willl not change the violence, the invasions of our cities.
They are, per Chris Coons, planning to negotiate body cameras. This willl not change the violence, the invasions of our cities.
January 27, 2026 at 1:40 AM
Friends, I recommend you ALL get on the phones and or send emails first thing tomorrow telling @democrats.senate.gov NO FUNDING FOR ICE. NONE.
They are, per Chris Coons, planning to negotiate body cameras. This willl not change the violence, the invasions of our cities.
They are, per Chris Coons, planning to negotiate body cameras. This willl not change the violence, the invasions of our cities.
Yes
The killing of Alex Pretti and the grotesque lying was an overreach by the administration. They've paid a price and had to pull back a bit. But it's when there's some disarray that the democratic opposition needs to intensify the offensive, and turn a marginal tactical success into a major victory.
January 27, 2026 at 1:49 AM
Yes
Reposted by Matthew Specter
✊
National Nurses United, largest nurses' union in US, are holding actions over the coming week in honor of Alex Pretti and all others killed by ICE
www.nationalnursesunited.org/week-of-acti...
www.nationalnursesunited.org/week-of-acti...
Week of action in honor of Alex Pretti, RN and all others killed by ice
Join National Nurses United RN members in a week-long series of actions to honor Pretti and all who have been murdered by ICE, as well as demand that Congress vote to immediately abolish this violent,...
www.nationalnursesunited.org
January 26, 2026 at 10:48 PM
✊
Grateful to Linda Kinstler for interviewing me for this outstanding synthetic essay on the meanings, uses and abuses of “realism”, with smart takes from a wide range of scholars in academia and think tanks; I’m drawing on my Stanford UP book The Atlantic Realists, and related writings since.
January 25, 2026 at 11:44 PM
Grateful to Linda Kinstler for interviewing me for this outstanding synthetic essay on the meanings, uses and abuses of “realism”, with smart takes from a wide range of scholars in academia and think tanks; I’m drawing on my Stanford UP book The Atlantic Realists, and related writings since.
Reposted by Matthew Specter
Reporter: You just made the claim that this individual posed a threat to law enforcement—
Noem: That is no claim. It is the facts. He was there to perpetuate violence.
Noem: That is no claim. It is the facts. He was there to perpetuate violence.
January 24, 2026 at 10:48 PM
Reporter: You just made the claim that this individual posed a threat to law enforcement—
Noem: That is no claim. It is the facts. He was there to perpetuate violence.
Noem: That is no claim. It is the facts. He was there to perpetuate violence.