Thomas Zimmer
@thomaszimmer.bsky.social
Historian - Democracy and Its Discontents - Newsletter: Democracy Americana https://democracyamericana.com - Podcast: Is This Democracy https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/is-this-democracy
Pinned
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
steady.page
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
My new piece:
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
My new piece:
Reposted by Thomas Zimmer
Ein Jahr Trump: Ein Jahr Gewalt, Lügen & Widerstand. Mit Historiker und USA-Experte Thomas Zimmer rede ich darüber, wie Trump die US-amerikanische Demokratie demoliert. Ebenso gehts um Demos, um Antifaschismus und um die tägliche Verteidigung der Freiheit – auch hierzulande, gegen die AfD!
Podcast #27: Ein Jahr Trump. Ein Jahr Gewalt, Lügen & Widerstand
Thomas Zimmer und ich reden u.a. über Propaganda, Lügen, und darüber, warum man MAGA-Erzählungen nicht glauben darf. Wie man dagegenhält. Wie man klar im Kopf bleibt.
steady.page
January 16, 2026 at 4:36 PM
Ein Jahr Trump: Ein Jahr Gewalt, Lügen & Widerstand. Mit Historiker und USA-Experte Thomas Zimmer rede ich darüber, wie Trump die US-amerikanische Demokratie demoliert. Ebenso gehts um Demos, um Antifaschismus und um die tägliche Verteidigung der Freiheit – auch hierzulande, gegen die AfD!
Reposted by Thomas Zimmer
If you are interested in an even longer reflection (in English):
I wrote about the state-sponsored murder of Renee Good, the paramilitary occupation of Minneapolis, and how to situate this latest escalation in the context of the broader authoritarian assault:
I wrote about the state-sponsored murder of Renee Good, the paramilitary occupation of Minneapolis, and how to situate this latest escalation in the context of the broader authoritarian assault:
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
steady.page
January 16, 2026 at 4:07 PM
If you are interested in an even longer reflection (in English):
I wrote about the state-sponsored murder of Renee Good, the paramilitary occupation of Minneapolis, and how to situate this latest escalation in the context of the broader authoritarian assault:
I wrote about the state-sponsored murder of Renee Good, the paramilitary occupation of Minneapolis, and how to situate this latest escalation in the context of the broader authoritarian assault:
I had a great (and long!) conversation with @janskudlarek.bsky.social:
About where America stands one year into Trumpist rule, the violent assault on Minneapolis - and why we must remember that the gulf between Trump’s authoritarian desires and the reality of American life remains vast.
About where America stands one year into Trumpist rule, the violent assault on Minneapolis - and why we must remember that the gulf between Trump’s authoritarian desires and the reality of American life remains vast.
(27) Ein Jahr Trump: Ein Jahr Gewalt, Lügen & Widerstand - mit Thomas Zimmer
Podcast Episode · Nicht noch ein Politik-Podcast · 01/16/2026 · 1h 45m
podcasts.apple.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:58 PM
I had a great (and long!) conversation with @janskudlarek.bsky.social:
About where America stands one year into Trumpist rule, the violent assault on Minneapolis - and why we must remember that the gulf between Trump’s authoritarian desires and the reality of American life remains vast.
About where America stands one year into Trumpist rule, the violent assault on Minneapolis - and why we must remember that the gulf between Trump’s authoritarian desires and the reality of American life remains vast.
I think this is an important dynamic right now. Societal resistance has been hardening, the mood in MAGA land has been bad for a while. As frustration spreads on the domestic front, lashing out abroad becomes more attractive. Not as a distraction per se, but as a way to channel aggression.
Just guessing here, but I suspect the White House is pushing so hard for wars of conquest on multiple fronts because they see their support collapsing ahead of the midterms and worry they won't get another shot. An example of how tyrants become more dangerous as they get weaker, not less.
January 15, 2026 at 2:34 PM
I think this is an important dynamic right now. Societal resistance has been hardening, the mood in MAGA land has been bad for a while. As frustration spreads on the domestic front, lashing out abroad becomes more attractive. Not as a distraction per se, but as a way to channel aggression.
This is the right course of action - and also: Holy shit!
Every now and then, you have to stop and "appreciate" how utterly stupid and bizarre this moment is that we are forced to suffer through...
Every now and then, you have to stop and "appreciate" how utterly stupid and bizarre this moment is that we are forced to suffer through...
NEW and WOW: Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, and Canada are sending troops to Greenland amid continued threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to annex the territory, multiple outlets reported. www.newsweek.com/greenland-ge...
Germany, other NATO allies sending troops to Greenland amid Trump threats
Trump said Wednesday anything less than U.S. control of Greenland would be "unacceptable" in a warning to NATO allies about Arctic security.
www.newsweek.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:29 PM
This is the right course of action - and also: Holy shit!
Every now and then, you have to stop and "appreciate" how utterly stupid and bizarre this moment is that we are forced to suffer through...
Every now and then, you have to stop and "appreciate" how utterly stupid and bizarre this moment is that we are forced to suffer through...
Credit where credit is due: I agree with Mike Johnson that "ICE is doing what ICE is designed to do" (serve as the regime's paramilitary arm tasked with escalating the political conflict by violently occupying liberal-leaning urban centers and treating the local population as the "enemy within")
Mike Johnson comes out against additional guardrails on ICE as Democrats call for it.
“I think there's a lot of Democrats playing games right now with national security and with law enforcement. And I think it's dangerous. Ice is doing what ice is designed to do by its very name.”
“I think there's a lot of Democrats playing games right now with national security and with law enforcement. And I think it's dangerous. Ice is doing what ice is designed to do by its very name.”
January 15, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Credit where credit is due: I agree with Mike Johnson that "ICE is doing what ICE is designed to do" (serve as the regime's paramilitary arm tasked with escalating the political conflict by violently occupying liberal-leaning urban centers and treating the local population as the "enemy within")
The problem: Unaccountable, armed goons are terrorizing an American city, serving as the de facto paramilitary occupation force of a regime that believes itself at war with large swaths of the population.
The reaction from a Democratic lawmaker: "Maybe we could put QR codes on their uniforms?"
The reaction from a Democratic lawmaker: "Maybe we could put QR codes on their uniforms?"
I am introducing the Quick Recognition (QR) Act, which requires ICE and CBP officers to wear uniforms featuring QR codes. When scanned, the code would generate a digital ID displaying the officer’s name, badge number, and law enforcement agency.
ICE should be unmasked both physically and digitally.
ICE should be unmasked both physically and digitally.
January 15, 2026 at 1:39 PM
The problem: Unaccountable, armed goons are terrorizing an American city, serving as the de facto paramilitary occupation force of a regime that believes itself at war with large swaths of the population.
The reaction from a Democratic lawmaker: "Maybe we could put QR codes on their uniforms?"
The reaction from a Democratic lawmaker: "Maybe we could put QR codes on their uniforms?"
I talked to FAZ Podcast about the state-sponsored murder of Renee Good, the paramilitary occupation of Minneapolis, how to situate this latest escalation in the context of the broader authoritarian assault, and where America may go from here (in German):
Tödliche ICE-Schüsse: „Trump erklärt Großteil der Bevölkerung den Krieg“
Podcast Episode · F.A.Z. Podcast für Deutschland · 01/14/2026 · 32m
podcasts.apple.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:02 PM
I talked to FAZ Podcast about the state-sponsored murder of Renee Good, the paramilitary occupation of Minneapolis, how to situate this latest escalation in the context of the broader authoritarian assault, and where America may go from here (in German):
Some people seem convinced anything other than "It's over, there is no way to stop these fascists" is naive and ignorant.
But please remember: While the people who control the levers of state power are lawless and cruel, they are not omnipotent. Obscuring that distinction is an act of defeatism.
But please remember: While the people who control the levers of state power are lawless and cruel, they are not omnipotent. Obscuring that distinction is an act of defeatism.
A regime driven by the desire to create social media content for their hardcore fans on the extreme Right.
It is an immensely dangerous situation. But I don't think this cruel spectacle is an effective way to consolidate authoritarian rule.
It is an immensely dangerous situation. But I don't think this cruel spectacle is an effective way to consolidate authoritarian rule.
"But more fundamentally, ICE is violence-prone because its main purpose has become theatrical. Under present leadership, ICE is less a law-enforcement agency than it is a content creator."
January 13, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Some people seem convinced anything other than "It's over, there is no way to stop these fascists" is naive and ignorant.
But please remember: While the people who control the levers of state power are lawless and cruel, they are not omnipotent. Obscuring that distinction is an act of defeatism.
But please remember: While the people who control the levers of state power are lawless and cruel, they are not omnipotent. Obscuring that distinction is an act of defeatism.
A regime driven by the desire to create social media content for their hardcore fans on the extreme Right.
It is an immensely dangerous situation. But I don't think this cruel spectacle is an effective way to consolidate authoritarian rule.
It is an immensely dangerous situation. But I don't think this cruel spectacle is an effective way to consolidate authoritarian rule.
"But more fundamentally, ICE is violence-prone because its main purpose has become theatrical. Under present leadership, ICE is less a law-enforcement agency than it is a content creator."
January 13, 2026 at 4:44 PM
A regime driven by the desire to create social media content for their hardcore fans on the extreme Right.
It is an immensely dangerous situation. But I don't think this cruel spectacle is an effective way to consolidate authoritarian rule.
It is an immensely dangerous situation. But I don't think this cruel spectacle is an effective way to consolidate authoritarian rule.
Paraphrasing: "It is the prerogative of people like me to do as we please and be forever revered. And if you are insufficiently obedient, dare to deviate from the lesser status I have assigned you, or make me uncomfortable , I have the right to punish you."
The perfect distillation of Trumpism.
The perfect distillation of Trumpism.
Q: "Do you believe that deadly force was necessary?"
Trump: "It was highly disrespectful of law enforcement. The woman and her friend were highly disrespectful of law enforcement…Law enforcement should not be in a position where they have to put up with this stuff."
Trump: "It was highly disrespectful of law enforcement. The woman and her friend were highly disrespectful of law enforcement…Law enforcement should not be in a position where they have to put up with this stuff."
January 12, 2026 at 8:17 PM
Paraphrasing: "It is the prerogative of people like me to do as we please and be forever revered. And if you are insufficiently obedient, dare to deviate from the lesser status I have assigned you, or make me uncomfortable , I have the right to punish you."
The perfect distillation of Trumpism.
The perfect distillation of Trumpism.
Reposted by Thomas Zimmer
ICYMI yesterday:
I wrote about the killing of Renee Good: How it reveals, yet again, the violent, dehumanizing, essence of Trumpism – and why it will likely galvanize the resistance against MAGA’s authoritarian assault.
When the State Terrorizes the People:
I wrote about the killing of Renee Good: How it reveals, yet again, the violent, dehumanizing, essence of Trumpism – and why it will likely galvanize the resistance against MAGA’s authoritarian assault.
When the State Terrorizes the People:
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
steady.page
January 12, 2026 at 2:35 PM
ICYMI yesterday:
I wrote about the killing of Renee Good: How it reveals, yet again, the violent, dehumanizing, essence of Trumpism – and why it will likely galvanize the resistance against MAGA’s authoritarian assault.
When the State Terrorizes the People:
I wrote about the killing of Renee Good: How it reveals, yet again, the violent, dehumanizing, essence of Trumpism – and why it will likely galvanize the resistance against MAGA’s authoritarian assault.
When the State Terrorizes the People:
This is exactly right.
The people who control the levers of state power are lawless and cruel. But that doesn’t make them omnipotent. Obscuring that distinction is an act of defeatism that only serves the regime.
The people who control the levers of state power are lawless and cruel. But that doesn’t make them omnipotent. Obscuring that distinction is an act of defeatism that only serves the regime.
What ICE/BP is doing to Minneapolis is awful.
And it's taking everything they have. By population, Minneapolis is America's 45th largest city.
Keep both in mind at once: the regime's desire for authoritarian domination is bottomless, and they'll act on it, but their capacity to do so is limited.
And it's taking everything they have. By population, Minneapolis is America's 45th largest city.
Keep both in mind at once: the regime's desire for authoritarian domination is bottomless, and they'll act on it, but their capacity to do so is limited.
January 12, 2026 at 5:12 PM
This is exactly right.
The people who control the levers of state power are lawless and cruel. But that doesn’t make them omnipotent. Obscuring that distinction is an act of defeatism that only serves the regime.
The people who control the levers of state power are lawless and cruel. But that doesn’t make them omnipotent. Obscuring that distinction is an act of defeatism that only serves the regime.
ICYMI yesterday:
I wrote about the killing of Renee Good: How it reveals, yet again, the violent, dehumanizing, essence of Trumpism – and why it will likely galvanize the resistance against MAGA’s authoritarian assault.
When the State Terrorizes the People:
I wrote about the killing of Renee Good: How it reveals, yet again, the violent, dehumanizing, essence of Trumpism – and why it will likely galvanize the resistance against MAGA’s authoritarian assault.
When the State Terrorizes the People:
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
steady.page
January 12, 2026 at 2:35 PM
ICYMI yesterday:
I wrote about the killing of Renee Good: How it reveals, yet again, the violent, dehumanizing, essence of Trumpism – and why it will likely galvanize the resistance against MAGA’s authoritarian assault.
When the State Terrorizes the People:
I wrote about the killing of Renee Good: How it reveals, yet again, the violent, dehumanizing, essence of Trumpism – and why it will likely galvanize the resistance against MAGA’s authoritarian assault.
When the State Terrorizes the People:
Such a clear crystallization of Trumpism as a political project: Redraw the lines of who belongs, who is legitimate, who is part of the “Volk.”
And if they decide you are not, you have forfeited not only your rights and protections as a citizen, but also your humanity, your very right to live.
And if they decide you are not, you have forfeited not only your rights and protections as a citizen, but also your humanity, your very right to live.
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
My new piece:
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
My new piece:
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
steady.page
January 11, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Such a clear crystallization of Trumpism as a political project: Redraw the lines of who belongs, who is legitimate, who is part of the “Volk.”
And if they decide you are not, you have forfeited not only your rights and protections as a citizen, but also your humanity, your very right to live.
And if they decide you are not, you have forfeited not only your rights and protections as a citizen, but also your humanity, your very right to live.
Reposted by Thomas Zimmer
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
My new piece:
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
My new piece:
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
steady.page
January 11, 2026 at 2:10 PM
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
My new piece:
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
My new piece:
Reposted by Thomas Zimmer
“They don’t regret what happened in Minneapolis because they don’t regard people like Nicole Good and anyone who dares to object to their idea of ‘real America’ as fellow citizens. …. The US government is in the hands of people who simply don’t think Nicole Good’s life was worth all that much.”
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
My new piece:
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
My new piece:
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
steady.page
January 11, 2026 at 2:40 PM
“They don’t regret what happened in Minneapolis because they don’t regard people like Nicole Good and anyone who dares to object to their idea of ‘real America’ as fellow citizens. …. The US government is in the hands of people who simply don’t think Nicole Good’s life was worth all that much.”
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
My new piece:
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
My new piece:
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
steady.page
January 11, 2026 at 2:10 PM
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
My new piece:
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
My new piece:
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
New piece:
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
New piece:
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
steady.page
January 11, 2026 at 1:03 PM
When the State Terrorizes the People
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
New piece:
The killing of Renee Good reveals, yet again, Trumpism’s violent, authoritarian essence. MAGA is at war with the reality of American society.
New piece:
The regime smears the woman who was executed by an agent of the state as a "terrorist," its supporters revel in dehumanizing cruelty and deranged bloodlust.
The wife of Renee Good, meanwhile, releases a statement that emphasizes compassion and kindness.
The two Americas are very much not the same.
The wife of Renee Good, meanwhile, releases a statement that emphasizes compassion and kindness.
The two Americas are very much not the same.
"We were raising our son to believe that no matter where you come from or what you look like, all of us deserve compassion and kindness. Renee lived this belief every day. ...
"On Wednesday, January 7th, we stopped to support our neighbors. We had whistles. They had guns." —Becca Good
"On Wednesday, January 7th, we stopped to support our neighbors. We had whistles. They had guns." —Becca Good
On Wednesday, Renee Macklin Good was fatally shot by a federal ICE agent. Becca Good, her wife, shared the following statement with MPR News.
January 9, 2026 at 5:34 PM
The regime smears the woman who was executed by an agent of the state as a "terrorist," its supporters revel in dehumanizing cruelty and deranged bloodlust.
The wife of Renee Good, meanwhile, releases a statement that emphasizes compassion and kindness.
The two Americas are very much not the same.
The wife of Renee Good, meanwhile, releases a statement that emphasizes compassion and kindness.
The two Americas are very much not the same.
A Republican elected official proudly declaring he has no problem with agents of the state shooting unarmed citizens in the face if they annoy the regime.
It is impossible to make democracy work with a party that not only tolerates people like this, but elevates them to positions of influence.
It is impossible to make democracy work with a party that not only tolerates people like this, but elevates them to positions of influence.
Rep. Randy Fine: "If you impede the actions of our law enforcement as they seek to repel foreign invaders from our country, you get what's coming to you. I do not feel bad for the woman that was involved."
January 8, 2026 at 7:30 PM
A Republican elected official proudly declaring he has no problem with agents of the state shooting unarmed citizens in the face if they annoy the regime.
It is impossible to make democracy work with a party that not only tolerates people like this, but elevates them to positions of influence.
It is impossible to make democracy work with a party that not only tolerates people like this, but elevates them to positions of influence.
The regime’s propaganda machine hard at work reminding their audience that they are supposed to hate and fear *those* people, that violence committed by the state against them is good and necessary - that their lives don’t matter, as they are the “Other” that must be subjugated and punished.
Jesse Watters highlights that Renee Nicole Good, the woman killed by ICE, had "pronouns in her bio" and "leaves behind a lesbian partner and a child from a previous marriage"
January 8, 2026 at 1:29 PM
The regime’s propaganda machine hard at work reminding their audience that they are supposed to hate and fear *those* people, that violence committed by the state against them is good and necessary - that their lives don’t matter, as they are the “Other” that must be subjugated and punished.
In an even remotely healthy political system and culture - and everywhere else in the democratic world - January 6 would have been a dealbreaker: The end of Trump as a major political figure. He would have been convicted, shunned, banished - everyone associated with him ostracized from public life.
January 6 in History
Wrote this two years ago: “If the insurrectionist-in-chief returns to power without ever facing any real consequences and while explicitly declaring his intent to establish a vindictive autocracy, then January 6 will have been successful.”
And here we are.
Wrote this two years ago: “If the insurrectionist-in-chief returns to power without ever facing any real consequences and while explicitly declaring his intent to establish a vindictive autocracy, then January 6 will have been successful.”
And here we are.
January 6 in History
Was it a key moment in the republic’s eventual demise or a milestone on the road to democracy’s ultimate triumph? The meaning of January 6 is yet to be determined
steady.page
January 6, 2026 at 7:39 PM
In an even remotely healthy political system and culture - and everywhere else in the democratic world - January 6 would have been a dealbreaker: The end of Trump as a major political figure. He would have been convicted, shunned, banished - everyone associated with him ostracized from public life.
Reposted by Thomas Zimmer
January 6 in History
Wrote this two years ago: “If the insurrectionist-in-chief returns to power without ever facing any real consequences and while explicitly declaring his intent to establish a vindictive autocracy, then January 6 will have been successful.”
And here we are.
Wrote this two years ago: “If the insurrectionist-in-chief returns to power without ever facing any real consequences and while explicitly declaring his intent to establish a vindictive autocracy, then January 6 will have been successful.”
And here we are.
January 6 in History
Was it a key moment in the republic’s eventual demise or a milestone on the road to democracy’s ultimate triumph? The meaning of January 6 is yet to be determined
steady.page
January 6, 2026 at 3:22 PM
January 6 in History
Wrote this two years ago: “If the insurrectionist-in-chief returns to power without ever facing any real consequences and while explicitly declaring his intent to establish a vindictive autocracy, then January 6 will have been successful.”
And here we are.
Wrote this two years ago: “If the insurrectionist-in-chief returns to power without ever facing any real consequences and while explicitly declaring his intent to establish a vindictive autocracy, then January 6 will have been successful.”
And here we are.
January 6 in History
Wrote this two years ago: “If the insurrectionist-in-chief returns to power without ever facing any real consequences and while explicitly declaring his intent to establish a vindictive autocracy, then January 6 will have been successful.”
And here we are.
Wrote this two years ago: “If the insurrectionist-in-chief returns to power without ever facing any real consequences and while explicitly declaring his intent to establish a vindictive autocracy, then January 6 will have been successful.”
And here we are.
January 6 in History
Was it a key moment in the republic’s eventual demise or a milestone on the road to democracy’s ultimate triumph? The meaning of January 6 is yet to be determined
steady.page
January 6, 2026 at 3:22 PM
January 6 in History
Wrote this two years ago: “If the insurrectionist-in-chief returns to power without ever facing any real consequences and while explicitly declaring his intent to establish a vindictive autocracy, then January 6 will have been successful.”
And here we are.
Wrote this two years ago: “If the insurrectionist-in-chief returns to power without ever facing any real consequences and while explicitly declaring his intent to establish a vindictive autocracy, then January 6 will have been successful.”
And here we are.