Zachary A Mueller
@zacharyamueller.bsky.social
Concerned with the threat of an ascendant radical right, particularly focused on the pipeline from nativist-populist politics to an authoritarian regime. Fmr Sr. Research Director at America’s Voice.
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
From @zacharyamueller.bsky.social:
Naming the organizing story of America’s authoritarian nationalist movement
open.substack.com/pub/zacharya...
Naming the organizing story of America’s authoritarian nationalist movement
open.substack.com/pub/zacharya...
The Middle Squeeze
Naming the organizing story of America’s authoritarian nationalist movement
open.substack.com
October 13, 2025 at 8:05 PM
From @zacharyamueller.bsky.social:
Naming the organizing story of America’s authoritarian nationalist movement
open.substack.com/pub/zacharya...
Naming the organizing story of America’s authoritarian nationalist movement
open.substack.com/pub/zacharya...
The years long coordinated effort to mainstream the “invasion” lie wasn’t incidental nor campaign hyperbole it was intentional. Built for this moment, the invasion lie becomes the public justification for authoritarian mobilization, eroding the functioning of democratic society.
Trump to generals: "America is under invasion from within. We're under invasion from within. No different than a foreign enemy, but more difficult in any ways because they don't wear uniforms. At least when they're wearing a uniform you can take them out."
September 30, 2025 at 2:59 PM
The years long coordinated effort to mainstream the “invasion” lie wasn’t incidental nor campaign hyperbole it was intentional. Built for this moment, the invasion lie becomes the public justification for authoritarian mobilization, eroding the functioning of democratic society.
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
"Three down arrows" is being widely interpreted as an antifa logo. But the full description of the inscription is "up right down down down," and the other inscription, "Hey fascist, catch!" both come from the game Helldivers 2.
Online culture is such a morass of symbols/meanings. Watch your step.
Online culture is such a morass of symbols/meanings. Watch your step.
September 12, 2025 at 4:02 PM
"Three down arrows" is being widely interpreted as an antifa logo. But the full description of the inscription is "up right down down down," and the other inscription, "Hey fascist, catch!" both come from the game Helldivers 2.
Online culture is such a morass of symbols/meanings. Watch your step.
Online culture is such a morass of symbols/meanings. Watch your step.
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
have any Latino or immigration groups pushed this idea on the hill yet?
They could also be pushing for Dems to claw back the $170 billion Stephen Miller got in GOP ugly bill to finance kidnapping, profiling and concentration camps - it's clear people hate what they're seeing. Make it an issue
They could also be pushing for Dems to claw back the $170 billion Stephen Miller got in GOP ugly bill to finance kidnapping, profiling and concentration camps - it's clear people hate what they're seeing. Make it an issue
Democrats can demand a rollback of the Supreme Court ICE racial profiling case. It’s a trivial legislative fix. It poses virtually no political risk for them. It protects 68 million people from open government persecution. It protects basic constitutional values. No government funding without this.
September 11, 2025 at 4:37 PM
have any Latino or immigration groups pushed this idea on the hill yet?
They could also be pushing for Dems to claw back the $170 billion Stephen Miller got in GOP ugly bill to finance kidnapping, profiling and concentration camps - it's clear people hate what they're seeing. Make it an issue
They could also be pushing for Dems to claw back the $170 billion Stephen Miller got in GOP ugly bill to finance kidnapping, profiling and concentration camps - it's clear people hate what they're seeing. Make it an issue
Yesterday, Charlie Kirk posted what amounts to an AI summary of the white nationalist novel “The Camp of the Saints” - a fan favorite of Steve Bannon & Stephen Miller - that pushes the replacement theory lie that has inspired multiple mass murders.
This is their movement, it’s what they believe.
This is their movement, it’s what they believe.
September 4, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Yesterday, Charlie Kirk posted what amounts to an AI summary of the white nationalist novel “The Camp of the Saints” - a fan favorite of Steve Bannon & Stephen Miller - that pushes the replacement theory lie that has inspired multiple mass murders.
This is their movement, it’s what they believe.
This is their movement, it’s what they believe.
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
you and your @newdems.bsky.social colleagues focus on that 2024 border bill like it's the magic bullet. But, we're dealing with mass deportations now
how can your plan not even mention ICE or the $50 billion Stephen Miller just got to build concentration camps? what's your plan for that?
how can your plan not even mention ICE or the $50 billion Stephen Miller just got to build concentration camps? what's your plan for that?
Dems have long needed a stronger, bolder plan on immigration reform and border security. That changes today. I’m leading our party forward toward new commonsense immigration solutions that promote safety, American values, and economic growth. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
These House Democrats seek a new middle ground on immigration
The New Democratic Coalition unveiled a plan to win back voters on immigration but they need the party’s support.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 26, 2025 at 8:54 PM
you and your @newdems.bsky.social colleagues focus on that 2024 border bill like it's the magic bullet. But, we're dealing with mass deportations now
how can your plan not even mention ICE or the $50 billion Stephen Miller just got to build concentration camps? what's your plan for that?
how can your plan not even mention ICE or the $50 billion Stephen Miller just got to build concentration camps? what's your plan for that?
The language of “cockroaches” is nothing other than explicit racism.
What is happening here is what happened in Charlottesville in 2017, a racist march with replacement theory chants. Just this time it is coordinated from the White House not just with the stamp of approval afterwards.
What is happening here is what happened in Charlottesville in 2017, a racist march with replacement theory chants. Just this time it is coordinated from the White House not just with the stamp of approval afterwards.
August 21, 2025 at 7:15 PM
The language of “cockroaches” is nothing other than explicit racism.
What is happening here is what happened in Charlottesville in 2017, a racist march with replacement theory chants. Just this time it is coordinated from the White House not just with the stamp of approval afterwards.
What is happening here is what happened in Charlottesville in 2017, a racist march with replacement theory chants. Just this time it is coordinated from the White House not just with the stamp of approval afterwards.
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
The propagandists running the @DHSgov account are deliberately pushing thinly-veiled neo-Nazi material through the official communications channels of the U.S. government. Their goal is stirring outrage (to which they will express fake outrage) and signaling to their followers where they're going.
DHS is recruiting using a not-so-subtle reference to a 1978 book from white nationalist William Gayley Simpson, Which Way Western Man?
Simpson's book was released under an imprint associated with the National Alliance, founded by Turner Diaries author William Luther Pierce.
Simpson's book was released under an imprint associated with the National Alliance, founded by Turner Diaries author William Luther Pierce.
August 12, 2025 at 3:49 PM
The propagandists running the @DHSgov account are deliberately pushing thinly-veiled neo-Nazi material through the official communications channels of the U.S. government. Their goal is stirring outrage (to which they will express fake outrage) and signaling to their followers where they're going.
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
Joe Kent’s record is clear:
❌ Smears human rights advocates
❌ Labels protesters as terrorists
❌ Pushes deportations w/out due process
The Senate must reject his nomination to lead the National Counterterrorism Center. Voters already rejected him twice. Your senators should do the same.
(⬇️ LINKS ⬇️)
❌ Smears human rights advocates
❌ Labels protesters as terrorists
❌ Pushes deportations w/out due process
The Senate must reject his nomination to lead the National Counterterrorism Center. Voters already rejected him twice. Your senators should do the same.
(⬇️ LINKS ⬇️)
July 30, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Joe Kent’s record is clear:
❌ Smears human rights advocates
❌ Labels protesters as terrorists
❌ Pushes deportations w/out due process
The Senate must reject his nomination to lead the National Counterterrorism Center. Voters already rejected him twice. Your senators should do the same.
(⬇️ LINKS ⬇️)
❌ Smears human rights advocates
❌ Labels protesters as terrorists
❌ Pushes deportations w/out due process
The Senate must reject his nomination to lead the National Counterterrorism Center. Voters already rejected him twice. Your senators should do the same.
(⬇️ LINKS ⬇️)
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
Good Skews with Matt Hildreth: How Public Opinion Is Turning Against Trump’s Immigration Agenda with @zacharyamueller.bsky.social
weeklyskews.substack.com/p/good-skews...
weeklyskews.substack.com/p/good-skews...
Good Skews: How Public Opinion Is Turning Against Trump’s Immigration Agenda with Zachary Mueller
Why the Far Right’s Billion-Dollar Deportation Agenda Is Losing Ground with the American Public
weeklyskews.substack.com
July 29, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Good Skews with Matt Hildreth: How Public Opinion Is Turning Against Trump’s Immigration Agenda with @zacharyamueller.bsky.social
weeklyskews.substack.com/p/good-skews...
weeklyskews.substack.com/p/good-skews...
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
I think I've figured out the game that Dems bashing "The Groups" are playing. It creates a way for them to adopt cautious, risk-averse, extremely-poll-tested positions while simultaneously posing as daring and courageous. A clever move. It gets NYT to quote you!
www.offmessage.net/p/the-wrong-...
www.offmessage.net/p/the-wrong-...
July 7, 2025 at 4:15 PM
I think I've figured out the game that Dems bashing "The Groups" are playing. It creates a way for them to adopt cautious, risk-averse, extremely-poll-tested positions while simultaneously posing as daring and courageous. A clever move. It gets NYT to quote you!
www.offmessage.net/p/the-wrong-...
www.offmessage.net/p/the-wrong-...
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
Lots of Dems, their consultants and savvy pundits have not caught up with the public. They are stuck in their 2024 CW
Stephen Miller has forced a reckoning and the overwhelming majorly reject it
That Dems should lean in seems like a no-brainer but that hill group-think can be impenetrable
Stephen Miller has forced a reckoning and the overwhelming majorly reject it
That Dems should lean in seems like a no-brainer but that hill group-think can be impenetrable
Gallup has new polling on immigration. Topline findings:
-Americans hate Trump's immigration policy (35% approve, 62% disapprove)
-Share who say immigration is a "good thing" for the country just hit an all-time high (79%)
news.gallup.com/poll/692522/...
-Americans hate Trump's immigration policy (35% approve, 62% disapprove)
-Share who say immigration is a "good thing" for the country just hit an all-time high (79%)
news.gallup.com/poll/692522/...
July 11, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Lots of Dems, their consultants and savvy pundits have not caught up with the public. They are stuck in their 2024 CW
Stephen Miller has forced a reckoning and the overwhelming majorly reject it
That Dems should lean in seems like a no-brainer but that hill group-think can be impenetrable
Stephen Miller has forced a reckoning and the overwhelming majorly reject it
That Dems should lean in seems like a no-brainer but that hill group-think can be impenetrable
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
In a speech to the far-right Claremont Institute, VP JD Vance tried to push a dramatically reduced vision of American citizenship.
This, combined with the vast new resources for ICE, is a 5-alarm moment.
JD Vance: Some Americans Are More American Than Others talkingpointsmemo.com/news/jd-vanc...
This, combined with the vast new resources for ICE, is a 5-alarm moment.
JD Vance: Some Americans Are More American Than Others talkingpointsmemo.com/news/jd-vanc...
JD Vance: Some Americans Are More American Than Others
The day after President Trump signed a bill that throws unprecedented amounts...
talkingpointsmemo.com
July 8, 2025 at 10:44 PM
In a speech to the far-right Claremont Institute, VP JD Vance tried to push a dramatically reduced vision of American citizenship.
This, combined with the vast new resources for ICE, is a 5-alarm moment.
JD Vance: Some Americans Are More American Than Others talkingpointsmemo.com/news/jd-vanc...
This, combined with the vast new resources for ICE, is a 5-alarm moment.
JD Vance: Some Americans Are More American Than Others talkingpointsmemo.com/news/jd-vanc...
"All told, fentanyl border adjustments provide an exit strategy away from counterproductive tariffs; an off-ramp from the failure of militant supply-side counternarcotics policy; and a much-needed complement to evidence-based interventions designed to address the demand for illegal drugs."
Tariffs can’t defeat the fentanyl problem in the US
Forget tariffs. Another tool of economic statecraft is far better suited to the problem of illegally manufactured fentanyl.
www.statnews.com
July 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
"All told, fentanyl border adjustments provide an exit strategy away from counterproductive tariffs; an off-ramp from the failure of militant supply-side counternarcotics policy; and a much-needed complement to evidence-based interventions designed to address the demand for illegal drugs."
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
There is a case to be made against tariffs imposed in the name of fentanyl...
...that is also a case against the counterproductive drug war.
To do better, we must do differently.
New from me:
...that is also a case against the counterproductive drug war.
To do better, we must do differently.
New from me:
Tariffs can’t defeat the fentanyl problem in the US
Forget tariffs. Another tool of economic statecraft is far better suited to the problem of illegally manufactured fentanyl.
www.statnews.com
July 7, 2025 at 1:51 PM
There is a case to be made against tariffs imposed in the name of fentanyl...
...that is also a case against the counterproductive drug war.
To do better, we must do differently.
New from me:
...that is also a case against the counterproductive drug war.
To do better, we must do differently.
New from me:
I have 3 comments & a conclusion about this lengthy NYTimes piece - but to be clear it less about the piece itself then the ‘debate’ about immigration between anyone left of Stephen Miller. 🧵👇
Can Democrats Find Their Way on Immigration?
www.nytimes.com
July 6, 2025 at 4:13 PM
I have 3 comments & a conclusion about this lengthy NYTimes piece - but to be clear it less about the piece itself then the ‘debate’ about immigration between anyone left of Stephen Miller. 🧵👇
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
NYT, lots of Dems, Dem consultants look solely thru 2024 election lens. That's not the world we're in
Stephen Miller is enacting his mass deportation agenda that many didn't think was real. Growing majorities are opposed as they see it up close
Miller has forced a reckoning. Dems need to seize it
Stephen Miller is enacting his mass deportation agenda that many didn't think was real. Growing majorities are opposed as they see it up close
Miller has forced a reckoning. Dems need to seize it
The party is haunted by the New York Times, which eschews its role in shaping public opinion and has played a crucial role in enacting the right’s wedge on this issue.
July 6, 2025 at 2:09 PM
NYT, lots of Dems, Dem consultants look solely thru 2024 election lens. That's not the world we're in
Stephen Miller is enacting his mass deportation agenda that many didn't think was real. Growing majorities are opposed as they see it up close
Miller has forced a reckoning. Dems need to seize it
Stephen Miller is enacting his mass deportation agenda that many didn't think was real. Growing majorities are opposed as they see it up close
Miller has forced a reckoning. Dems need to seize it
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
Why aren't Democratic Leaders, their party institutions talking about all of this? They should hammer home the point re devastating cuts to healthcare causing millions to lose healthcare and thousands dying.
But, this is also beyond dire. Why the general silence? (1/2)
But, this is also beyond dire. Why the general silence? (1/2)
🚨Want to know where all the immigration enforcement money is going to? We've got you covered!
- $51.6 billion for border wall ($46.6 billion for wall, $5 billion for CBP checkpoints and facilities).
- $45 billion for ICE detention
- $29.9 billion for ICE enforcement
Grand total: $170.7 billion.
- $51.6 billion for border wall ($46.6 billion for wall, $5 billion for CBP checkpoints and facilities).
- $45 billion for ICE detention
- $29.9 billion for ICE enforcement
Grand total: $170.7 billion.
July 1, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Why aren't Democratic Leaders, their party institutions talking about all of this? They should hammer home the point re devastating cuts to healthcare causing millions to lose healthcare and thousands dying.
But, this is also beyond dire. Why the general silence? (1/2)
But, this is also beyond dire. Why the general silence? (1/2)
“Someone with Hochman’s hateful ideas has no place advising on the policy that is best for Missouri families.
If Sen. Schmitt truly wishes to represent all Missourians, he must replace Nathan with someone who actually represents our values to protect our families, our freedoms, and our futures.“
If Sen. Schmitt truly wishes to represent all Missourians, he must replace Nathan with someone who actually represents our values to protect our families, our freedoms, and our futures.“
Opinion: Missouri Sen. Schmitt shouldn't be employing a Nazi apologist
Missourians of all races, places, and backgrounds believe in pitching in to make our communities thrive. In the wake of the recent tornado devastation across greater St. Louis, so many
www.stltoday.com
June 18, 2025 at 1:36 PM
“Someone with Hochman’s hateful ideas has no place advising on the policy that is best for Missouri families.
If Sen. Schmitt truly wishes to represent all Missourians, he must replace Nathan with someone who actually represents our values to protect our families, our freedoms, and our futures.“
If Sen. Schmitt truly wishes to represent all Missourians, he must replace Nathan with someone who actually represents our values to protect our families, our freedoms, and our futures.“
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
Padilla gave this speech on the floor pretty much as the news of Brad Lander's arrest in New York was breaking. Two Democratic lawmakers tackled and handcuffed by federal law enforcement in the span of a week.
June 17, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Padilla gave this speech on the floor pretty much as the news of Brad Lander's arrest in New York was breaking. Two Democratic lawmakers tackled and handcuffed by federal law enforcement in the span of a week.
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
With the tragic assassination of a Minnesota Democratic leader, I’m going to underline this point again.
I know there's a lot going on, but the Secretary of Homeland Security declaring that federal troops are in California and Los Angeles to "liberate" the state and city from its duly-elected leaders really is a fourteen-alarm fire.
It's mind-blowing how little attention this extraordinary statement has received. It's briefly mentioned in a couple news articles, but this MSNBC opinion piece is the only extended discussion of it I've seen: www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
June 14, 2025 at 3:37 PM
With the tragic assassination of a Minnesota Democratic leader, I’m going to underline this point again.
This is what a white nationalist screed looks like. The President is invoking the "invasion" lie - the same lie that has inspired multiple deadly terrorist attacks - and invoking the language of ethnic cleansing. This is not a stance to compromise with or one that we can afford to ignore
June 13, 2025 at 2:04 PM
This is what a white nationalist screed looks like. The President is invoking the "invasion" lie - the same lie that has inspired multiple deadly terrorist attacks - and invoking the language of ethnic cleansing. This is not a stance to compromise with or one that we can afford to ignore
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
I know MAGA is celebrating and cheering this assault on Senator Padilla, but this won't play well across the nation. They don't realize it because it's a right-wing echo chamber, but ICE agents terrorizing family members, kids, communities, Senators, and now Trump throwing a military parade?
June 12, 2025 at 7:17 PM
I know MAGA is celebrating and cheering this assault on Senator Padilla, but this won't play well across the nation. They don't realize it because it's a right-wing echo chamber, but ICE agents terrorizing family members, kids, communities, Senators, and now Trump throwing a military parade?
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
PADILLA: “If this is how the administration responds to a Senator with a question, you can only imagine what they're doing to farmworkers, cooks, and day laborers throughout the country.”
June 12, 2025 at 7:44 PM
PADILLA: “If this is how the administration responds to a Senator with a question, you can only imagine what they're doing to farmworkers, cooks, and day laborers throughout the country.”
Reposted by Zachary A Mueller
real props to Padilla for everything he did today, this is exactly the kind of confrontation we need to see more of and the optics are fucking terrible for the Trump goons
hasn't always been my favorite Senator but credit where credit is due, I hope others see this as a model
hasn't always been my favorite Senator but credit where credit is due, I hope others see this as a model
Padilla: If this is how DHS responds to a senator with a question you can only imagine what they're doing to farm workers, to cooks, to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community and throughout California.
June 12, 2025 at 7:38 PM
real props to Padilla for everything he did today, this is exactly the kind of confrontation we need to see more of and the optics are fucking terrible for the Trump goons
hasn't always been my favorite Senator but credit where credit is due, I hope others see this as a model
hasn't always been my favorite Senator but credit where credit is due, I hope others see this as a model