As Trump Escalates Series of Authoritarian Crackdowns Targeting Independent Centers of Power, Our Revolution Launches Petition Urging Congress to Block His Latest Power Grab — Calling Out the Manufactured Crisis as a Diversion from the Epstein Scandal and a Stark Example of Authoritarianism Merging with Oligarchy to Shield the Powerful and Well-Connected
Washington, DC — Our Revolution unequivocally condemns President Donald Trump’s dangerous and authoritarian federal takeover of Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department and his threat to deploy National Guard troops in the streets of our nation’s capital. This alarming move is the latest in a series of escalating crackdowns, from academia and the media to law firms, government offices, and cities led by political opposition — targeting independent civic centers of power as well as public officials who have challenged him.
“This is not law and order — it’s tyranny,” said Our Revolution Executive Director Joseph Geevarghese. “Trump is starting to target American cities led by Democrats, first deploying troops in LA, now federalizing local police in DC. This is a clear escalation with the threat of military force in Trump’s authoritarian push to silence dissent, intimidate communities, and tighten his grip on power. In the meantime, he’s using this power grab as a diversion from the Epstein scandal. Members of Congress need to connect the dots and step up to intervene before it’s too late. Next up could be Chicago or New York.
Time and again, strongmen have manufactured crises to tighten their grip on local police — the first step toward a nationwide power grab.”
Our Revolution stands with the people of Washington, D.C., and with communities nationwide rising up for justice and democracy. What we saw in Los Angeles is now playing out in the nation’s capital — an authoritarian tactic designed to silence protest and dissent. This is no one-off; it’s becoming a standard playbook Trump can deploy in any city to crush opposition and consolidate power. We urge every elected official, candidate, and organization that claims to defend democracy to speak out and act decisively against this dangerous escalation.
In response to the Administration’s dangerous abuse of emergency powers, Our Revolution is urging its 8 million+ members to demand Congress act now to stop this latest escalation, circulating a petition calling on lawmakers to block the takeover and troop deployment. Petitions will be delivered to members of Congress this week.
The line between civilian and military authority is one of the most critical protections in a functioning democracy. Trump’s use of a federalized police department alongside the threat of armed troops in our streets is a blatant abuse of power. Congress must act.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Joseph Geevarghese, Executive Director of Our Revolution, is available for interviews to discuss Trump’s authoritarian takeover of D.C.’s police, his threat to deploy troops, the growing pattern of crackdowns, and what Democrats must do in this moment to show up for movements, protect vulnerable communities, and fight back against the erosion of democratic norms.
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Our Revolution is America’s largest grassroots independent political organizing group, born out of Senator Bernie Sanders’s 2016 presidential campaign. It focuses on mobilizing communities, electing progressive champions, advocating for progressive policies, and transforming the Democratic Party to serve people, not corporate interests.