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Trait 6
Civil courts are used to harass and silence critics 1Dissent is reframed as disorder, treason, or terrorism 1Executive power operates without effective oversight 1Law is a weapon of the state, not a limit on its power 1Surveillance of ordinary citizens increases; elite crimes remain opaque 1Whistleblowers are prosecuted, not protected 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
Jan 16, 2026 Tom Homan announced plans to create a public database identifying and targeting critics of ICE Corroborated Information, Memory and Manipulation
A senior immigration official proposed publicly exposing critics' employers and neighborhoods, an intimidation tactic aimed at silencing dissent.
Independently corroborated by4 independent news desks
Fox News · PBS · ABC News · ProPublica
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Tom Homan announced plan to create database of immigration enforcement critics — Tom Homan, Trump's immigration enforcement official, announced on Fox News that the administration will create a database of people interfering with ICE operations and publicize their identities, employers, neighborhoods, and schools. The stated goal is to expose critics and make them targets of public identification.
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 52 – 2026-01-10–2026-01-16
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Jan 12, 2026 DOJ investigated multiple Democratic senators and House members over a video urging troops to refuse illegal orders Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Federal prosecutors expanded scrutiny of lawmakers for protected political speech about military lawfulness, chilling legislative oversight of the executive.
Independently corroborated by5 independent news desks
The New York Times · NBC News · BBC · ABC News · CBS News
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Senator Slotkin said she is under federal investigation — Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said in an interview that federal prosecutors are investigating her for participating in a video with other Democratic lawmakers calling on military members to refuse illegal orders.
- DOJ threatens Federal Reserve with criminal indictment over interest rate policy — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell publicly stated that the Department of Justice threatened criminal charges against the Fed related to a multi-year renovation project of Federal Reserve office buildings. Powell characterized the threat as retaliation for the Fed's decision to set interest rates based on economic conditions rather than presidential preference, stating the threat was "a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President."
- Federal investigation opened against Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin for video urging troops to refuse illegal orders — Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin announced she is under federal investigation by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for her participation in a video released in 2025 in which she and five other Democratic lawmakers with military backgrounds urged U.S. troops to refuse unlawful orders. The video's message aligns with established military law and constitutional principle. President Trump called the video "seditious behavior by traitors" punishable by death; the White House later clarified he did not seek execution but wanted them "held accountable." Slotkin characterized the investigation as weaponization of federal government to intimidate political opponents.
- Senator Elissa Slotkin faces federal criminal investigation for oath video — Senator Elissa Slotkin is now under federal criminal investigation for appearing in a video urging service members to remember their oath and refuse illegal orders. The investigation represents potential criminalization of speech encouraging military personnel to uphold constitutional obligations and refuse unlawful commands.
- Four additional Democratic lawmakers said they are under investigation — Four additional Democratic lawmakers said they are being investigated by the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia over their participation in a viral video calling on military members to refuse illegal orders.
- Trump DOJ investigates Democratic lawmakers over military video on illegal orders — Three House Democrats—Jason Crow (Colorado), Maggie Goodlander (New Hampshire), and Chrissy Houlahan (Pennsylvania)—confirmed that the U.S. Attorney's Office for D.C., led by Jeanine Pirro, requested interviews regarding their participation in a November video instructing troops they need not comply with illegal orders. The investigation expands to five lawmakers total; the Pentagon also formally censured Senator Mark Kelly and launched administrative proceedings. Trump called the video "seditious" and threatened capital punishment, later walking back but maintaining the lawmakers face "serious jeopardy."
Attacks
Traits
Civil courts are used to harass and silence criticsDissent is reframed as disorder, treason, or terrorismExecutive power operates without effective oversightLaw is a weapon of the state, not a limit on its powerSurveillance of ordinary citizens increases; elite crimes remain opaqueWhistleblowers are prosecuted, not protected
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 52 – 2026-01-10–2026-01-16
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