Narrow these 55 — tap a value to filter:
Trait 10
Chaos is used as a strategy to fragment focus and disable accountability 8Emergency powers are normalized and permanent 6Executive power operates without effective oversight 6Data and algorithms are used to manipulate, not serve, the public 2Foreign influence is welcomed if it supports regime interests 2Civil service roles are politicized or privatized 1Crony capitalism becomes indistinguishable from governance 1Law is a weapon of the state, not a limit on its power 1Legislatures function as performance, not deliberation 1Memory is curated by power—what cannot be controlled is erased 1
Tier 1 carried by a primary record
Corroborated 2+ independent news desks
Every result is verified and democracy-related.
Open an event to see its evidence. Attack and trait tags link to their definitions
Jul 22, 2026 President Trump threatened military action against Iran and the Houthis after attacks on Saudi oil tankers Tier 1 · Primary Power and Authority
Direct presidential threats of force raised the risk of escalation while concentrating war-making momentum in the executive branch.
Independently corroborated by1 independent news desk
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump Threatens Military Action Against Iran and Houthis — President Trump threatened military action against Iran and the Houthi rebels following their attack on Saudi oil tankers.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 79 – 2026-07-18–2026-07-24
wk79_PA_008
Jul 21, 2026 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked the Senate for nearly $88 billion in supplemental Iran-war funding and defended a much larger military budget Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Large war and budget requests forced Congress to confront executive military expansion through appropriations and oversight.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Defense Secretary Requests Additional $88 Billion for War on Iran — During a Senate appropriations committee hearing, U.S.
- Pete Hegseth Testifies on Military Budget Increase — On July 21, 2026, U.S.
- Pentagon Requests Additional Funding Amid War Costs — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee, requesting an urgent $67 billion to sustain Pentagon operations until
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 79 – 2026-07-18–2026-07-24
wk79_IG_021
Jul 14, 2026 Senate Democrats blocked advancement of the defense authorization bill over Trump's Iran hostilities Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The vote used Senate procedure to push back on executive war policy and assert legislative leverage over defense business.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Senate Democrats block advancement of defense bill — On July 14, 2026, Senate Democrats blocked the advancement of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in protest of President Donald Trump's hostilities with Iran.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 78 – 2026-07-11–2026-07-17
wk78_IG_013
Jul 14, 2026 President Trump announced the reinstatement of an Iranian blockade and a U.S. security-fee role in the Strait of Hormuz Tier 1 · Primary Power and Authority
The announcement asserted sweeping wartime and trade authority with limited visible congressional buy-in, raising separation-of-powers concerns.
Independently corroborated by3 independent news desks
Supporting reports
- Trump announces reinstatement of Iranian blockade — On July 13, 2026, President Trump announced via social media that the U.S.
- Trump announces blockade on Iran — President Trump announced the reimposition of a blockade on Iran, declaring the U.S.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 78 – 2026-07-11–2026-07-17
wk78_PA_007
Jun 25, 2026 President Trump submitted a supplemental funding request for the Iran war. Corroborated Power and Authority
The request sought to sustain military action through executive initiative while intensifying the struggle over war powers and fiscal control.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump Submits Supplemental Funding Request for Iran War — Former President Donald Trump submitted a supplemental funding request for $67.1 billion to cover the costs associated with the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 75 – 2026-06-20–2026-06-26
wk75_PA_012
Jun 20, 2026 President Trump threatened Iran and proposed U.S. control or tolls in the Strait of Hormuz during talks. Corroborated Power and Authority
The threats showed personalized use of executive and allied power in foreign policy, bypassing normal deliberation and raising the risk of coercive military and economic action.
Independently corroborated by1 independent news desk
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Lindsey Graham Comments on Iran Negotiations — Senator Lindsey Graham stated in a CBS interview that if the Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) deal fails, Trump will take control of the Strait of Hormuz by force and charge tolls.
- Trump Threatens Iran on Social Media — Former President Trump posted on Truth Social threatening to "hit Iran very hard again" if a deal was not reached during the ongoing negotiations in Switzerland.
- Trump Threatens Tolls on Ships in Hormuz Strait — On June 20, 2026, President Trump threatened to impose U.S.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 75 – 2026-06-20–2026-06-26
wk75_PA_001
Jun 13, 2026 Sama Safi remained held without charge by the Israeli military after a West Bank raid Corroborated Civil Rights and Dissent
The detention raised due process and bodily security concerns for a U.S. citizen held by a foreign military.
Immediate effect: The detention raised due process and bodily security concerns for a U.S.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Palestinian American woman held without charge by Israeli military — Sama Safi, a 20-year-old Palestinian American psychology student at Birzeit University, has been detained by the Israeli military since June 2, 2026, without any charges.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 74 – 2026-06-13–2026-06-19
wk74_CR_002
Jun 13, 2026 A Manhattan federal court sentenced Haji Najibullah to 42 years in prison for the kidnapping of journalist David Rohde Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The sentence reinforced judicial accountability for hostage-taking and violence against journalists.
Independently corroborated by3 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Former Taliban commander sentenced for kidnapping US journalist — Former Taliban commander Haji Najibullah was sentenced to 42 years in prison by a Manhattan federal court for his role in the 2008 kidnapping of US journalist David Rohde and two Afghan associates.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 74 – 2026-06-13–2026-06-19
wk74_IG_003
May 30, 2026 The United States conducted military strikes in Iran while peace negotiations were underway. Tier 1 · Primary Power and Authority
The strikes raised separation-of-powers concerns by expanding hostilities without clear congressional authorization.
Independently corroborated by1 independent news desk
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- U.S. conducts strikes in Iran amid peace negotiations — The U.S.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 72 – 2026-05-30–2026-06-05
wk72_PA_016
May 9, 2026 The Trump administration pursued a military campaign against Iran that drove oil and gas prices higher Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
War policy fed directly into household costs and showed how executive foreign action can reshape domestic economic conditions.
Independently corroborated by1 independent news desk
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- U.S. Military Campaign Against Iran — President Trump has joined Israel in a military campaign against Iran, which has led to a global oil crisis and increased gas prices in the United States.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 69 – 2026-05-09–2026-05-15
wk69_ES_003
May 6, 2026 The U.S. military struck Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz Corroborated Power and Authority
The strikes expanded executive use of force abroad and raised accountability questions about war powers and escalation control.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- US Military Strikes Iranian Targets — The US military conducted strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz area in response to unprovoked Iranian attacks.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 68 – 2026-05-02–2026-05-08
wk68_PA_006
Apr 23, 2026 Republicans blocked a Democratic bill to end the Iran war Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The blockage showed Congress failing to constrain executive war policy, weakening legislative control over military engagement.
Independently corroborated by6 independent news desks
The Washington Post · The New York Times · PBS · The Hill · Politico · Time
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Democrats' Bill to End Iran War Blocked — Democrats introduced a bill aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Iran, but it was blocked by Republicans.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 66 – 2026-04-18–2026-04-24
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Apr 23, 2026 Donald Trump reposted a call to kill Iranians who opposed a deal Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
Amplifying violent rhetoric degraded the information environment by normalizing incitement and crowding out accountable public debate.
Independently corroborated by4 independent news desks
The New York Times · PBS · ABC7 Chicago · NPR
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump Reposts Call to "Kill" Iranians — Donald Trump has reposted a call advocating for the killing of Iranians who oppose a deal.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 66 – 2026-04-18–2026-04-24
wk66_IM_013
Apr 21, 2026 President Trump threatened to wipe out Iranian civilization and attacked Pope Leo XIV after criticism Tier 1 · Primary Power and Authority
The threat showed personalized executive rhetoric shaping foreign policy and public discourse, with coercive language used in place of accountable diplomatic process.
Independently corroborated by2 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump Threatens to Wipe Out Iranian Civilization — In early April, President Donald Trump threatened to "wipe out Iranian civilization" as part of his strategy to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for oil tankers.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 66 – 2026-04-18–2026-04-24
wk66_PA_009
Apr 18, 2026 The Trump administration requested $200 billion from Congress for the war with Iran Tier 1 · Primary Power and Authority
The request sought to expand executive war policy through a massive funding ask, shifting public resources toward military action and away from domestic priorities.
Independently corroborated by7 independent news desks
The New York Times · The Washington Post · Reuters · PBS · CNBC · The Hill · BBC
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump Administration Requests $200 Billion for War on Iran — The Trump administration has requested $200 billion from Congress to fund the ongoing war in Iran.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 66 – 2026-04-18–2026-04-24
wk66_PA_002
Apr 16, 2026 Energy Secretary Chris Wright testified to Congress about high gas prices tied to the Iran conflict Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The hearing linked foreign conflict to domestic economic strain and showed Congress pressing the executive on policy consequences.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- US Secretary of Energy Testifies at Congressional Hearing — On April 16, 2026, US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright testified at a congressional hearing in Washington DC.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 65 – 2026-04-11–2026-04-17
wk65_IG_027
Apr 15, 2026 Congress scheduled votes on war powers and arms transfer resolutions tied to Middle East conflicts Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The planned votes showed lawmakers trying to reclaim authority over military action and arms policy from the executive branch.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Congressional Vote on Joint Resolutions of Disapproval — The U.S.
- Scheduled War Powers Resolution Vote — A war powers resolution vote is scheduled in Congress, which will address not only the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East but also potential military actions against Venezuela, Cuba, or Greenland.
- Senate Democrats Push for War Powers Resolutions on Iran — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Senate Democrats will force votes on war powers resolutions aimed at requiring President Trump to seek congressional authorization for further military action in Iran.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 65 – 2026-04-11–2026-04-17
wk65_IG_020
Apr 13, 2026 Germany's chancellor and energy officials warned that the Iran conflict would strain the global economy and keep oil prices high Tier 1 · Primary Economic Structure
The warnings showed how military conflict can quickly reshape energy markets and household costs across democracies.
Independently corroborated by3 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Germany Warns of Economic Strain from Iran War — Germany's Chancellor warned of prolonged economic strain resulting from the ongoing conflict with Iran.
- High Oil Prices Linked to Iran War — The head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, warned that current high oil prices do not fully reflect the threat to global energy markets posed by the war in Iran.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 65 – 2026-04-11–2026-04-17
wk65_ES_009
Apr 6, 2026 The Trump administration continued executive orders threatening tariffs on fuel suppliers to Cuba Corroborated Power and Authority
The orders used executive economic coercion abroad in ways that produced broad civilian hardship and bypassed ordinary democratic deliberation.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- US Executive Orders Threaten Tariffs on Fuel Suppliers to Cuba — In January, the US government issued executive orders threatening tariffs on nations supplying fuel to Cuba, leading to a US oil blockade.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 64 – 2026-04-04–2026-04-10
wk64_PA_007
Apr 5, 2026 President Trump and his aides threatened attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure Tier 1 · Primary Power and Authority
Threatening civilian infrastructure showed executive willingness to dismiss legal restraints on force and normalize coercive state violence.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump’s Aides Advocate Targeting Iranian Civilian Infrastructure — Reports on April 4, 2026, indicated that President Trump's aides have been advising him that attacking Iranian civilian infrastructure could be a legitimate wartime strategy, despite legal concerns regarding such
- Trump Threatens to Destroy Iranian Infrastructure — Reports indicate that President Trump's aides have suggested that attacking Iranian civilian infrastructure could be a legitimate wartime strategy, despite legal experts warning that such actions would be illegal.
- Trump Threatens War Crimes Against Iran — Former President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, if Iran does not comply with his demands by a specified deadline.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 64 – 2026-04-04–2026-04-10
wk64_PA_004
Mar 14, 2026 President Trump ordered the bombardment of Iran without congressional authorization Corroborated Power and Authority
The strike concentrated war-making power in the presidency and weakened the constitutional role of Congress in authorizing major military action.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump Orders Bombardment of Iran — President Donald Trump ordered a bombardment of Iran, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries.
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 61 – 2026-03-14–2026-03-20
wk61_PA_002
Mar 14, 2026 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deployed an amphibious ready group and Marines to the Middle East Tier 1 · Primary Power and Authority
The deployment deepened U.S. military involvement in the conflict and showed executive escalation of force with limited public oversight.
Immediate effect: The deployment deepened U.S.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Defense Secretary Hegseth sending amphibious ready group to Middle East — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of an amphibious ready group of vessels, led by the U.S.S.
- U.S. Deploys Marine Expeditionary Unit to Middle East — The United States has deployed a Marine Expeditionary Unit from Japan to the Middle East.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 61 – 2026-03-14–2026-03-20
wk61_PA_004
Mar 13, 2026 The FBI investigated the Old Dominion University shooting as terrorism Corroborated Civil Rights and Dissent
The case highlighted the state's role in responding to violence that threatened safety and normal civic life at an educational institution.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- FBI Investigates Virginia University Shooting as Terrorism — The FBI is investigating a fatal shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia as an act of terrorism.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 60 – 2026-03-07–2026-03-13
wk60_CR_015
Mar 12, 2026 The FBI led investigations into the Michigan synagogue attack as targeted violence against the Jewish community Corroborated Civil Rights and Dissent
The response addressed a violent threat to religious freedom and community safety for a minority group.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Terrorist attack on Temple Israel synagogue in Michigan — On March 12, 2026, Ayman Ghazali, a Lebanese American, drove his truck into the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, and allegedly shot himself after being confronted by security.
- FBI leads investigation into Michigan synagogue attack — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is leading an investigation into an attack on Temple Israel, a large Reform synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
- FBI Treats Michigan Synagogue Incident as Targeted Act — On March 12, 2026, a man identified as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali rammed his vehicle into Temple Israel, a synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 60 – 2026-03-07–2026-03-13
wk60_CR_014
Mar 1, 2026 Pentagon briefers told congressional staff that Iran had not planned to attack U.S. forces unless provoked Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation
The briefing undercut public claims of imminent threat, raising concerns that the administration's war narrative had misled lawmakers and the public.
Independently corroborated by4 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Pentagon briefers contradict claims of imminent Iranian threat — Pentagon briefers informed congressional staff that Iran had not planned to attack U.S.
- Pentagon Admits Lack of Intelligence on Iran Threat — In a closed-door briefing with Congress on March 1, 2026, the Pentagon acknowledged that there was no intelligence indicating that Iran was planning an attack on U.S.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 59 – 2026-02-28–2026-03-06
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