T. J. Stiles
@tj-stiles.bsky.social
American historian and biographer.
Pulitzer Prize for History for "Custer's Trials: A Life on the Frontier of a New America"
Pulitzer Prize for Biography & National Book Award for Nonfiction for "The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt”
Pulitzer Prize for History for "Custer's Trials: A Life on the Frontier of a New America"
Pulitzer Prize for Biography & National Book Award for Nonfiction for "The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt”
Pinned
Just watched ep. 1 of “Death by Lightning.” For a screen adaptation, great job. Superb casting.
The problem: Everyone’s white. Black delegates played a big role in GOP conventions. There were still Black congressmen! Hollywood is bad with Black people in history with power & their own interests.
The problem: Everyone’s white. Black delegates played a big role in GOP conventions. There were still Black congressmen! Hollywood is bad with Black people in history with power & their own interests.
Here's my promised thread of threads on every episode of "Death by Lightning." Again, it's totally legit to diverge from history to craft this satisfying (and manageable) show. I'm simply providing the real historical context, as best I can. Plus a final thought at the end.
bsky.app/profile/tj-s...
bsky.app/profile/tj-s...
Outrageous. Prisoners are being harshly punished because of a political vendetta.
After Biden commuted the sentences of 37 men on federal death row last year, the Trump administration is retaliating by sending them to the supermax. Prisoners are locked in cells smaller than a parking space 22-24 hours a day.
One prisoner told me he fears he won't make it out alive.
My latest:
One prisoner told me he fears he won't make it out alive.
My latest:
Death Row Prisoners Granted Clemency by Biden Brace for "Living Hell" Under Trump - Bolts
Trump officials are retaliating by imposing the harshest conditions in the entire federal prison system, including near total isolation.
boltsmag.org
November 30, 2025 at 3:31 AM
Outrageous. Prisoners are being harshly punished because of a political vendetta.
Beyond-the-fringe lunatics now control our public health system and are using their power to dismantle centuries of scientific advancement that has saved untold millions of lives.
Of the many catastrophes of Trump’s return to power, this may be the worst. But we don’t have to rank them. It’s bad.
Of the many catastrophes of Trump’s return to power, this may be the worst. But we don’t have to rank them. It’s bad.
November 29, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Beyond-the-fringe lunatics now control our public health system and are using their power to dismantle centuries of scientific advancement that has saved untold millions of lives.
Of the many catastrophes of Trump’s return to power, this may be the worst. But we don’t have to rank them. It’s bad.
Of the many catastrophes of Trump’s return to power, this may be the worst. But we don’t have to rank them. It’s bad.
Trump must wake up every afternoon and ask himself, “What’s the most evil way I can carry out the most evil policies imaginable?”
November 29, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Trump must wake up every afternoon and ask himself, “What’s the most evil way I can carry out the most evil policies imaginable?”
Reposted by T. J. Stiles
Trump pardons a narcotics kingpin, but he blows up fishing boats in the Caribbean.
WHOA. Trump says he will pardon Juan Orlando Hernandez, who once said that he wanted to “shove the drugs right up the noses of the gringos.” He had people killed as part of his narco-trafficking ring, which he at times operated directly out of his presidential office.
November 29, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Trump pardons a narcotics kingpin, but he blows up fishing boats in the Caribbean.
Reposted by T. J. Stiles
Trump has done so many worse things that tear down the East Wing of the White House but each time I'm reminded of it I revert to WTAF fuck mode and think he !!!!demolished the East Wing of the White House!!!
November 28, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Trump has done so many worse things that tear down the East Wing of the White House but each time I'm reminded of it I revert to WTAF fuck mode and think he !!!!demolished the East Wing of the White House!!!
Reposted by T. J. Stiles
This was a fellow human put in harm’s way for no good reason. Her death is a tragedy. May it strengthen our resolve to defy this depraved and lawless regime.
Sarah Beckstrom's ex-boyfriend told NBC News she dreamed of becoming an FBI special agent.
She didn't want to deploy to D.C.
"She hated it. She cried about it."
But she started visiting monuments and museums and started enjoying it.
May she rest in peace.
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
She didn't want to deploy to D.C.
"She hated it. She cried about it."
But she started visiting monuments and museums and started enjoying it.
May she rest in peace.
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
National Guard member killed in D.C. shooting remembered for 'heart of gold'
The slain soldier’s former boyfriend recalled her empathy and generosity. “She doesn’t even have to know you and she’ll do anything for you,” he said.
www.nbcnews.com
November 29, 2025 at 12:16 AM
This was a fellow human put in harm’s way for no good reason. Her death is a tragedy. May it strengthen our resolve to defy this depraved and lawless regime.
I’m not assuming that I have so many followers that someone who cares hasn’t seen this, but here it is:
If you’re watching “Death by Lightning” over the holiday break (and you should), I wrote an episode-by-episode history companion threads for context & correction. Great show—not an attack on it!
If you’re watching “Death by Lightning” over the holiday break (and you should), I wrote an episode-by-episode history companion threads for context & correction. Great show—not an attack on it!
Here's my promised thread of threads on every episode of "Death by Lightning." Again, it's totally legit to diverge from history to craft this satisfying (and manageable) show. I'm simply providing the real historical context, as best I can. Plus a final thought at the end.
bsky.app/profile/tj-s...
bsky.app/profile/tj-s...
Just watched ep. 1 of “Death by Lightning.” For a screen adaptation, great job. Superb casting.
The problem: Everyone’s white. Black delegates played a big role in GOP conventions. There were still Black congressmen! Hollywood is bad with Black people in history with power & their own interests.
The problem: Everyone’s white. Black delegates played a big role in GOP conventions. There were still Black congressmen! Hollywood is bad with Black people in history with power & their own interests.
November 28, 2025 at 10:06 PM
I’m not assuming that I have so many followers that someone who cares hasn’t seen this, but here it is:
If you’re watching “Death by Lightning” over the holiday break (and you should), I wrote an episode-by-episode history companion threads for context & correction. Great show—not an attack on it!
If you’re watching “Death by Lightning” over the holiday break (and you should), I wrote an episode-by-episode history companion threads for context & correction. Great show—not an attack on it!
Reposted by T. J. Stiles
This article is terrifying because it's both believable and possible, and something everyone needs to be thinking about.
"This is what a coup looks like."
"This is what a coup looks like."
November 28, 2025 at 9:46 PM
This article is terrifying because it's both believable and possible, and something everyone needs to be thinking about.
"This is what a coup looks like."
"This is what a coup looks like."
“Kill every civilian you find” (to paraphrase, accurately) is not a lawful order.
Even if the men on these boats were smuggling drugs into the United States, their murder is no more lawful than if Biden had ordered an airstrike on convicted felon Donald Trump.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Even if the men on these boats were smuggling drugs into the United States, their murder is no more lawful than if Biden had ordered an airstrike on convicted felon Donald Trump.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Hegseth order on first Caribbean boat strike, officials say: Kill them all
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order to kill all crew members in the Sept. 2 strike on a suspected drug boat. Navy SEALs fired a second missile.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:51 PM
“Kill every civilian you find” (to paraphrase, accurately) is not a lawful order.
Even if the men on these boats were smuggling drugs into the United States, their murder is no more lawful than if Biden had ordered an airstrike on convicted felon Donald Trump.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Even if the men on these boats were smuggling drugs into the United States, their murder is no more lawful than if Biden had ordered an airstrike on convicted felon Donald Trump.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Reposted by T. J. Stiles
Every single congressional Democrat needs to be out there, right now, insisting that Pete Hegseth resign right now and announcing that he will be held accountable for committing war crimes.
If you do not demand accountability here and now, they will only become more emboldened.
If you do not demand accountability here and now, they will only become more emboldened.
Exclusive: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave an order to “kill everybody” in the first strike on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean. After two men survived, the mission commander ordered a second strike to comply with Hegseth’s instructions, according to two sources.
Hegseth order on first Caribbean boat strike, officials say: Kill them all
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a verbal order to kill all crew members in the Sept. 2 strike on a suspected drug boat. Navy SEALs fired a second missile.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 28, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Every single congressional Democrat needs to be out there, right now, insisting that Pete Hegseth resign right now and announcing that he will be held accountable for committing war crimes.
If you do not demand accountability here and now, they will only become more emboldened.
If you do not demand accountability here and now, they will only become more emboldened.
“Little Reichstag Fires Everywhere”
That’s it exactly.
All of Trump’s policies spring from malice, bigotry, and idiotic fixed ideas, like trade is being ripped off. When they wreck everything, he lies. When a random evil event occurs, it’s an excuse for more malicious, bigotry, and self-harm.
That’s it exactly.
All of Trump’s policies spring from malice, bigotry, and idiotic fixed ideas, like trade is being ripped off. When they wreck everything, he lies. When a random evil event occurs, it’s an excuse for more malicious, bigotry, and self-harm.
If you think there's going to be a response to this other than Little Reichstag Fires Everywhere until midterms, you are sadly mistaken. The good news is, people seem to be sick of it.
Gallup poll | 11/3-11/25
President Trump approval
Disapprove 60% (+6)
Approve 36% (-5)
news.gallup.com/poll/699221/...
President Trump approval
Disapprove 60% (+6)
Approve 36% (-5)
news.gallup.com/poll/699221/...
November 28, 2025 at 7:50 PM
“Little Reichstag Fires Everywhere”
That’s it exactly.
All of Trump’s policies spring from malice, bigotry, and idiotic fixed ideas, like trade is being ripped off. When they wreck everything, he lies. When a random evil event occurs, it’s an excuse for more malicious, bigotry, and self-harm.
That’s it exactly.
All of Trump’s policies spring from malice, bigotry, and idiotic fixed ideas, like trade is being ripped off. When they wreck everything, he lies. When a random evil event occurs, it’s an excuse for more malicious, bigotry, and self-harm.
Reposted by T. J. Stiles
If you think there's going to be a response to this other than Little Reichstag Fires Everywhere until midterms, you are sadly mistaken. The good news is, people seem to be sick of it.
Gallup poll | 11/3-11/25
President Trump approval
Disapprove 60% (+6)
Approve 36% (-5)
news.gallup.com/poll/699221/...
President Trump approval
Disapprove 60% (+6)
Approve 36% (-5)
news.gallup.com/poll/699221/...
November 28, 2025 at 6:32 PM
If you think there's going to be a response to this other than Little Reichstag Fires Everywhere until midterms, you are sadly mistaken. The good news is, people seem to be sick of it.
Reposted by T. J. Stiles
"I had always hoped that this land might become a safe and agreeable Asylum to the virtuous and persecuted part of mankind, to whatever nation they might belong."
~George Washington to Francis Adrian van der Kemp, May 28, 1788.
Image: Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington, 1804. Public domain.
~George Washington to Francis Adrian van der Kemp, May 28, 1788.
Image: Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington, 1804. Public domain.
November 28, 2025 at 5:38 PM
"I had always hoped that this land might become a safe and agreeable Asylum to the virtuous and persecuted part of mankind, to whatever nation they might belong."
~George Washington to Francis Adrian van der Kemp, May 28, 1788.
Image: Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington, 1804. Public domain.
~George Washington to Francis Adrian van der Kemp, May 28, 1788.
Image: Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington, 1804. Public domain.
Oh man. There was a “Show us you know nothing about immigration, public safety, or the national economy” contest and no one told me?
Trump: “I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries … denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility, and deport any Foreign National who is a public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western Civilization.“
November 28, 2025 at 4:35 AM
Oh man. There was a “Show us you know nothing about immigration, public safety, or the national economy” contest and no one told me?
The press has got to learn to ask the question that he’s going to answer. Like this:
“Mr. President, what do you think is the one thing we should all take away from the life and tragic murder of Sarah Beckstrom? What really matters here?”
“Mr. President, what do you think is the one thing we should all take away from the life and tragic murder of Sarah Beckstrom? What really matters here?”
Q: Do you plan to attend Sarah's funeral?
TRUMP: I haven't thought about it yet, but it's certainly something I can conceive of. I love West Virginia. You know, I won West Virginia by one of the biggest margins of any president anywhere.
TRUMP: I haven't thought about it yet, but it's certainly something I can conceive of. I love West Virginia. You know, I won West Virginia by one of the biggest margins of any president anywhere.
November 28, 2025 at 4:09 AM
The press has got to learn to ask the question that he’s going to answer. Like this:
“Mr. President, what do you think is the one thing we should all take away from the life and tragic murder of Sarah Beckstrom? What really matters here?”
“Mr. President, what do you think is the one thing we should all take away from the life and tragic murder of Sarah Beckstrom? What really matters here?”
It’s a Thanksgiving tradition: Set up the card table for the overflow crowd and an old person who is notorious for blurting out insults and made-up crap sits down and does just that.
“You’re a stupid person” — Trump lashes out at a reporter who presses him on the fact that the suspected DC shooter was actually thoroughly vetted before he was let in the US from Afghanistan
November 28, 2025 at 4:04 AM
It’s a Thanksgiving tradition: Set up the card table for the overflow crowd and an old person who is notorious for blurting out insults and made-up crap sits down and does just that.
Reposted by T. J. Stiles
Important to do this press conference about a mass shooting from behind a comic book convention’s folding table inside the hotel from The Shining.
“You’re a stupid person” — Trump lashes out at a reporter who presses him on the fact that the suspected DC shooter was actually thoroughly vetted before he was let in the US from Afghanistan
November 28, 2025 at 3:16 AM
Important to do this press conference about a mass shooting from behind a comic book convention’s folding table inside the hotel from The Shining.
Reposted by T. J. Stiles
At what point will the press corps, as a chorus, in unison, just shout back, “THATS NOT TRUE”!
What are we doing?
What are we doing?
“You’re a stupid person” — Trump lashes out at a reporter who presses him on the fact that the suspected DC shooter was actually thoroughly vetted before he was let in the US from Afghanistan
November 28, 2025 at 2:50 AM
At what point will the press corps, as a chorus, in unison, just shout back, “THATS NOT TRUE”!
What are we doing?
What are we doing?
It’s a model with a proven track record. Just like the Munich agreement. Hitler agreed not to take any more of Czechoslovakia until then he took all of it. Or Hitler’s peace with France. He agreed not to take Vichy until he did.
REPORTER: What kind of concessions are the Russians going to have to make?
TRUMP: The big concession is they stop fighting and they don't take any more land
TRUMP: The big concession is they stop fighting and they don't take any more land
November 28, 2025 at 3:57 AM
It’s a model with a proven track record. Just like the Munich agreement. Hitler agreed not to take any more of Czechoslovakia until then he took all of it. Or Hitler’s peace with France. He agreed not to take Vichy until he did.
Donald Trump does not care a whit for right and wrong.
RFK Jr. is a self-righteous maniac who believes he is the divinely chosen leader of a crusade against darkness.
But both are extreme egotists. That level of supreme self-absorption is the root of the profound evil wrought by each man.
RFK Jr. is a self-righteous maniac who believes he is the divinely chosen leader of a crusade against darkness.
But both are extreme egotists. That level of supreme self-absorption is the root of the profound evil wrought by each man.
November 27, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Donald Trump does not care a whit for right and wrong.
RFK Jr. is a self-righteous maniac who believes he is the divinely chosen leader of a crusade against darkness.
But both are extreme egotists. That level of supreme self-absorption is the root of the profound evil wrought by each man.
RFK Jr. is a self-righteous maniac who believes he is the divinely chosen leader of a crusade against darkness.
But both are extreme egotists. That level of supreme self-absorption is the root of the profound evil wrought by each man.
Harper's Weekly, November 21, 1857
"THANKSGIVING. The very word sounds like a blessing. The whole week seems to be covered with plums, and the smell of roast turkey and pumpkin pie. The boys have visions of snow and sliding, or coasting. The parents open their homes and hearts to the long absent."
"THANKSGIVING. The very word sounds like a blessing. The whole week seems to be covered with plums, and the smell of roast turkey and pumpkin pie. The boys have visions of snow and sliding, or coasting. The parents open their homes and hearts to the long absent."
November 27, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Harper's Weekly, November 21, 1857
"THANKSGIVING. The very word sounds like a blessing. The whole week seems to be covered with plums, and the smell of roast turkey and pumpkin pie. The boys have visions of snow and sliding, or coasting. The parents open their homes and hearts to the long absent."
"THANKSGIVING. The very word sounds like a blessing. The whole week seems to be covered with plums, and the smell of roast turkey and pumpkin pie. The boys have visions of snow and sliding, or coasting. The parents open their homes and hearts to the long absent."
Reposted by T. J. Stiles
Don’t forget that *Trump’s own lawyer’s argument* to the Supreme Court in the immunity case was that the check on the President using his immunity to order criminal acts was that those under him would not follow illegal orders. Now it’s a crime for lawmakers to remind servicemembers of that?
The President doesn't want you standing up and speaking out against him, so he's coming after me to intimidate all of us.
But I won't back down — and neither should you.
But I won't back down — and neither should you.
November 26, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Don’t forget that *Trump’s own lawyer’s argument* to the Supreme Court in the immunity case was that the check on the President using his immunity to order criminal acts was that those under him would not follow illegal orders. Now it’s a crime for lawmakers to remind servicemembers of that?
Reposted by T. J. Stiles
I had my first ever go at one of those round table talking heads sort of shows, and promised myself ahead of time that I wouldn't turn into a shouting head.
And then one of the panelists said something utterly silly... I didn't shout, but you might be able to hear my eyeroll.
And then one of the panelists said something utterly silly... I didn't shout, but you might be able to hear my eyeroll.
November 27, 2025 at 5:46 PM
I had my first ever go at one of those round table talking heads sort of shows, and promised myself ahead of time that I wouldn't turn into a shouting head.
And then one of the panelists said something utterly silly... I didn't shout, but you might be able to hear my eyeroll.
And then one of the panelists said something utterly silly... I didn't shout, but you might be able to hear my eyeroll.
Reposted by T. J. Stiles
Given the BlueSky habit of raging at news media for not framing a story exactly right (I am not innocent), I want to stop and thank every journalist who’s digging up facts about this unprecedented moment of profound evil in our government. Owners may suck, editors err, but you are golden. Thank you.
November 25, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Given the BlueSky habit of raging at news media for not framing a story exactly right (I am not innocent), I want to stop and thank every journalist who’s digging up facts about this unprecedented moment of profound evil in our government. Owners may suck, editors err, but you are golden. Thank you.
Reposted by T. J. Stiles
The subtext in JD Vance asking for "patience" on the economy: When leaders stop talking about current conditions and jump straight to rosy forecasts, they’re signaling the present isn’t defensible. That’s your cue to scrutinize the numbers, not just the narrative.
November 25, 2025 at 10:56 PM
The subtext in JD Vance asking for "patience" on the economy: When leaders stop talking about current conditions and jump straight to rosy forecasts, they’re signaling the present isn’t defensible. That’s your cue to scrutinize the numbers, not just the narrative.