đ Trump Tyranny Tracker: June 6-8
Welcome to todayâs Trump Tyranny Tracker, where Iâm breaking down the key news from the day alongside ongoing developments as Trump and his regime move swiftly to consolidate power, undermine democracy, and dismantle civil rights and freedoms.
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đĽ In Corruption News
Buyer With Ties to Chinese Communist Party Got V.I.P. Treatment at Trump Crypto Dinner
What Happened: A Chinese tech executive and adviser to a Communist Party-linked body, He Tianying, received V.I.P. treatment after purchasing $3.7 million in Trumpâs $TRUMP memecoinâearning him a private dinner with Trump and a White House tour. Despite Trumpâs crackdown on Chinese nationals, He attended under a nickname and bypassed background scrutiny.
Why It Matters: This exposes Trumpâs China hypocrisy and highlights how heâs continuing to use the presidency as a pay-to-play scheme. By monetizing access through crypto, heâs creating serious national security threats and selling out U.S. interests for personal gain. Also, how was He able to attend under a nickname and bypass a security check?
Source: New York TimesđĄď¸ In Power Consolidation News
500 Marines on Standby as Trump Deploys Guard to Quell LA Immigration Protests
What Happened: After protests erupted in Los Angeles over mass ICE raids, Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops under federal command, without a request from California Governor Gavin Newsom. Around 300 troops are already active in LA, Paramount, and Compton, while 500 Marines from Twentynine Palms remain on standby for potential deployment.
Why It Matters: Trump wants to use the military to crush dissent, just like Putin. Deploying troops against Americans turns the armed forces into a political weapon and shreds constitutional limits on federal power. This is authoritarian rule in real time. And a reminder: in 2020, Trump pushed to have the military shoot protestersâhe was only stopped by the adults in the room. Now, those guardrails are gone.
Source: ABC10Trump charts new territory in bypassing Newsom to deploy National Guard
What Happened: Trump sent 2,000 National Guard troops to LA without the governorâs consent, calling immigration protests a ârebellion.â He bypassed the Insurrection Act by claiming the troops are protecting federal property. Newsom is demanding that they be pulled out and plans to sue.
Why It Matters: Trump is testing how far he can go using the military against Americans. Itâs a dangerous power grab that erodes civilian control and sets the stage for political crackdownsâespecially in blue states. His executive order doesnât even mention California, effectively giving him a blank check to deploy the National Guard anywhere he wants. Trump set the fire in Californiaâand this is just the test run for what he plans to unleash nationwide.
Source: The Washington PostSupreme Court Grants DOGE Access to Confidential Social Security Records
What Happened: In a 6â3 decision, the Supreme Court granted Muskâs operatives temporary access to unredacted Social Security records, overturning lower court rulings that had blocked the move. The data includes medical, mental health, and family court records. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented sharply, warning of âgrave privacy risks for millions.â
Why It Matters: This ruling hands Trump and Muskâs operatives sweeping access to personal data, while court challenges are still underway. It guts privacy protections and sets the stage for weaponizing government data against all Americans.
Source: NPRAfter His Trump Blowup, Musk May Be Out. But DOGE Is Just Getting Started.
What Happened: Muskâs feud with Trump may have temporarily paused their alliance, but unauthorized DOGE remains active across federal agencies. Despite Muskâs exit, his operatives still hold key roles at the EPA, Interior, Energy, and Social Security.
Why It Matters: Muskâs surveillance-driven, anti-oversight agenda is now baked into the system. Even without Musk, the machinery he built is advancing authoritarian control, stealing data, and eroding agency independence.
Source: New York TimesPalantirâs Disease Data Deal with CDC Triggers Privacy Alarms
What Happened: The CDC is transferring its disease surveillance system, including data on measles, polio, and STDs, to a Palantir-run platform. The move has sparked backlash from state and local health officials over privacy, delays in long-term trend reporting, and fears of misuse of data.
Why It Matters: Palantir and Muskâs growing grip on sensitive data risks turning public health into a weaponized surveillance tool. It puts vulnerable populations at risk and shatters trust in federal health agencies.
Source: New York TimesWhite House Staff Warn Starlink Is a Security Risk, DOGE Ignores Warnings
What Happened: Muskâs operatives installed Starlink at the White House without notifying security staff, raising alarms over unmonitored satellite connections. The setup bypassed strict cybersecurity protocols meant to prevent leaks and espionage, triggering internal warnings and whistleblower reports to House Democrats.
Why It Matters: Starlinkâs rogue installation risks leaking sensitive data from White House networksâundetected. Itâs a serious national security threat and part of Muskâs broader push to bypass safeguards and expand untraceable access.
Source: Washington PostFormer Federal Inmate Pardoned by Trump Tapped as Bureau of Prisons Deputy Director
What Happened: Joshua J. Smith, a Tennessee businessman and former federal inmate pardoned by Trump in 2021 for drug trafficking, has been appointed deputy director of the Bureau of Prisons. He is the first formerly incarcerated person to hold such a position within the BOP.
Why It Matters: Smithâs appointment breaks precedent and reiterates Trumpâs pattern of rewarding loyalty over qualifications.
Source: NBC Newsâď¸ In Weaponization of Institutions News
Newsom is warned of âcriminal tax evasionâ if he withholds federal taxes
What Happened: California Governor Gavin Newsom threatened to withhold federal tax payments after reports that Trump plans sweeping funding cuts to the state, including its public university systems. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent responded by accusing Newsom of âcriminal tax evasionâ and warning businesses not to follow suit.
Why It Matters: Threats to defund California and other blue states over political differencesâand efforts to criminalize resistanceâreiterate escalating federal overreach and the abuse of government power to punish dissent.
Source: The Guardian'Arrest me': California's governor unfazed by threats of arrest from Trump official
What Happened: California Governor Gavin Newsom defiantly responded to threats from Trumpâs border czar Tom Homan, who warned state officials could be arrested for âimpedingâ ICE operations. Newsom told MSNBC, âArrest me. Letâs go,â calling the rhetoric bluster. Trump doubled down Sunday, warning officials who resist âlaw and orderâ would âface judges.â
Why It Matters: This highlights Trumpâs authoritarian playbook, where threatening elected officials with arrest and arresting a few in New Jersey is federal policy. Itâs a chilling escalation meant to intimidate opposition and normalize political persecution.
Source: NBC NewsThe ICE Policy That Set Off Chaos in LA
What Happened: Violent protests erupted in Los Angeles after Trumpâs ICE carried out sweeping workplace raids, detaining over 100 people in areas like the garment district and Home Depot. Union leader David Huerta was arrested. In response, Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to LAâwithout state approval.
Why It Matters: The raids, driven by Stephen Miller, serve as a pretext for expanded domestic military use, echoing tactics seen in authoritarian regimes like Russia.
Source: Mother JonesStates Rebuff Proposed Federal Ban on AI Laws
What Happened: Texas passed a new AI data-privacy bill just as Trumpâs tax bill seeks to impose a 10-year federal ban on state-level AI regulations. More than 250 state lawmakers and 40 attorneys general from across the country oppose the federal measure, warning it would erase vital consumer protections.
Why It Matters: The backlash highlights growing resistance to centralized control and the push to override state authority. Critics say the move leaves Americans vulnerable to unchecked AI harms.
Source: Wall Street Journalđ˘ In Media Suppression and Authoritarian Tactics News
From 1,300 to 81 workers: Trump official plans to cut Voice of America to the bone
What Happened: Kari Lake, Trumpâs senior adviser, is purging Voice of Americaâs workforce from 1,300 to just 81, citing compliance with Trumpâs executive order to meet only âstatutory minimums.â Purges have begun despite ongoing legal challenges, and major international news partnerships have been severed.
Why It Matters: This dismantles a pillar of independent journalism and clears the path for authoritarian state media. Replacing VOA with pro-Trump outlet OAN marks a shift from credible reporting to regime propagandaâechoing moves by authoritarian regimes worldwide.
Source: NPRTrump warns Musk of âvery serious consequencesâ if he backs Democrats
What Happened: Trump warned Musk of âvery serious consequencesâ if he funds Democrats, escalating their public feud after Musk criticized the GOPâs budget bill. Trump dismissed any reconciliation, accusing Musk of disrespecting the presidency and downplaying Muskâs deleted post linking him to Jeffrey Epstein.
Why It Matters: Trumpâs threat shows his authoritarian impulse to punish political disloyalty and intimidate anyone who crosses him. While Democrats should stay far away from Muskâs money, this underscores how Trump sees power as a tool.
Source: The GuardianTrump Can Restrict A.P. Journalistsâ Access, Appeals Court Rules
What Happened: A federal appeals court ruled that Trump can bar Associated Press journalists from covering events in exclusive settings like the Oval Office or Air Force One. The decision reversed a lower courtâs ruling after the AP was punished for refusing to use the term âGulf of America.â
Why It Matters: The ruling gives Trump broad power to shut out independent mediaâraising major First Amendment concerns and further eroding press freedom.
Source: New York TimesABC News Suspends Journalist Over Post Calling Trump and Miller âWorld-Classâ Haters
What Happened: ABC News suspended senior correspondent Terry Moran after he posted on social media that Trump and Stephen Miller are âworld-classâ haters, calling Miller ârichly endowed with the capacity for hatred.â The post was deleted, but screenshots circulated widely.
Why It Matters: After pressure from the White House, ABC buckledâshowing how easily mainstream outlets cave under pressure. Itâs part of a broader disturbing pattern of press caving or self-censoring as Trump continues his assault on the press.
Source: The Guardianđ In Human and Civil Rights Abuses News
DHS Wants National Guard to Search For and Transport Migrant Children
What Happened: The Department of Homeland Security has requested 21,000 National Guard troops to expand interior immigration enforcement, including transporting unaccompanied migrant children across state lines. The plan, still under Pentagon review, has triggered alarm from Democrats, National Guard members, and some defense officials.
Why It Matters: This crosses another dangerous lineâblurring military and law enforcement roles and pushing the U.S. toward a police state. Redirecting military resources to enforce Trumpâs deportation agenda, including child detentions, threatens troop morale, readiness, and civil-military boundaries.
Source: NBC NewsKilmar Ăbrego GarcĂa Returns to U.S. After Botched Deportation to Face Charges
What Happened: Kilmar Ăbrego GarcĂa, mistakenly deported by Trump in defiance of a court order, was returned from El Salvador to face smuggling charges. Trump officials claim heâs a âgang member,â though his lawyers say the charges are baseless and politically motivated.
Why It Matters: Ăbrego GarcĂaâs deportation, detention, and now prosecution raise serious concerns about abuse of power, especially after the chief of the DOJâs criminal division resigned.
Source: The GuardianChief of DOJ criminal division in Nashville resigned over the case
What Happened: Kilmar Ăbrego GarcĂaâs prosecution sparked internal conflict, prompting the resignation of Ben Schrader, chief of the DOJ's criminal division in Nashville, who had served nearly 15 years.
Why It Matters: Schraderâs resignation highlights internal dissent over Trumpâs lawless tactics and further exposes a politicized Justice Department where prosecutors are pressured to push cases that ignore due process and weaponize the law for political ends.
Source: CNNICE Agents Mistakenly Detain U.S. Marshal in Arizona
What Happened: ICE agents briefly detained a deputy U.S. marshal in Tucson after mistaking him for someone matching a suspectâs description. The incident occurred inside a federal building and ended without further escalation after the marshalâs identity was confirmed.
Why It Matters: The mistaken detention shows ICEâs growing chaos and overreach under Trumpâs push for mass immigration arrests. Even law enforcement officers arenât safeâexposing how racial profiling and reckless targeting are now embedded in federal policy.
Source: NBC NewsJournalists Shot with Nonlethal Rounds While Covering LA Deportation Protests
What Happened: Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi and British photojournalist Nick Stern were both struck by nonlethal munitions fired by law enforcement during protests in Los Angeles. Tomasi was hit live on air, with video clearly showing an officer firing at her despite visible press markings. Stern suffered a serious leg injury requiring surgery.
Why It Matters: Firing on clearly identified foreign journalists signals that no one reporting on Trumpâs crackdowns is safe, as it becomes increasingly more dangerous to be a journalist in the U.S.
Source: News.com.au and The GuardianDeported Migrants Held in Shipping Container at U.S. Base in Djibouti
What Happened: ICE is detaining a group of deported migrants in a converted shipping container at Camp Lemonnier, a U.S. military base in Djibouti. The migrants were rerouted mid-flight due to a federal court order and have been held for over two weeks in unsanitary conditions with limited legal access.
Why It Matters: This offshore detention mirrors black-site tactics. Detaining people in unsafe, extrajudicial conditions marks another dangerous escalation. The case is now headed to the Supreme Court.
Source: NPRđ Government Services Disruption and Collapse Watch
Pentagon Watchdog Investigates Hegsethâs Signal Chats and Possible Message Deletions
What Happened: The Pentagonâs inspector general is probing whether aides to Pete Hegseth were asked to delete Signal messages about March airstrikes in Yemen. One chat included Hegsethâs family; another accidentally included The Atlanticâs editor. Investigators are examining who posted strike details and who accessed Hegsethâs phone.
Why It Matters: Sharing sensitive military info on an unsecured appâand possibly covering it upâis a serious national security breach. Anyone else would be fired, but Hegseth stays, shielded by Trump.
Source: Associated Press and Wall Street JournalInside the AI Prompts DOGE Used to âMunchâ Contracts Related to Veteransâ Health
What Happened: ProPublica revealed that Muskâs operatives used flawed AI prompts to slash Veterans Affairs contracts during a 30-day review. The AI, written by a short-term coder with no healthcare or procurement experience, misidentified key infrastructure, like hospital internet, for cancellation using vague, ideological prompts targeting DEI programs.
Why It Matters: The AI relied on incomplete data, fabricated figures, and undefined terms like âmunchable.â It shows how Muskâs operatives are recklessly using AI to enforce partisan cuts, putting veteran care at risk.
Source: ProPublicađ Imperial and Geopolitical Watch
Macron to Visit Greenland Amid Trumpâs Continued Threats
What Happened: French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Greenland on June 15, meeting with Danish and Greenlandic leaders to affirm European unity. The trip follows escalating threats from Trump, who revived his annexation threatsârefusing to rule out force.
Why It Matters: Europe is pushing back as Trump escalates tensions with NATO allies. His threats are sparking a serious rift within the allianceâone that Russia stands to benefit from as divisions grow.
Source: Politico Europeđ Far-Right & Russian Influence Watch
White House Quietly Pressures Senate to Weaken Russia Sanctions
What Happened: Trump is lobbying Sen. Lindsey Graham to water down his bipartisan Russia sanctions bill by adding waiver authority and changing mandatory penalties to optional ones. The bill has overwhelming Senate support (82 Senators) and would impose broad sanctions on Russian officials, industries, and trading partners.
Why It Matters: Trump is trying to weaken the bill to protect Russia. Itâs another blatant move to block accountability and pave the way for a pro-Russian foreign policyâ as Russia wages a genocidal war in Ukraine.
Source: Wall Street JournalNeo-Nazi Group âThe Baseâ Plans Paramilitary Training as FBI Pulls Back
What Happened: The Base, a neo-Nazi terrorist organization tied to Russia, is openly planning a U.S. paramilitary training event this summer. Despite past arrests, the group is resurging under Trump, who has deprioritized far-right extremism. The Base is recruiting online, conducting sabotage in Ukraine, and soliciting crypto donations for its growing U.S. operations.
Why It Matters: As the FBI redirects its focus to immigration, white supremacist extremists grow bolder. Domestic terrorist groups like the Base are expanding uncheckedâposing a serious terror threat and opening the door for Russia to exploit these groups to carry out operations on U.S. soil.
Source: The GuardianRepublican Senator Employs Aide Fired by DeSantis Over Neo-Nazi Imagery
What Happened: Senator Eric Schmitt has hired Nate Hochman, a former DeSantis aide who was fired for creating a video containing neo-Nazi imagery. Since then, Hochman has promoted far-right conspiracy theories and spewed white nationalist rhetoric through GOP-aligned think tanks.
Why It Matters: The GOP continues to align with extremist white nationalist ideology. Internal guardrails against hate are collapsingânormalizing extremism at the highest levels of power.
Source: The GuardianEnrique Tarrio and Other Pardoned January 6 Insurrectionists Sue Government
What Happened: Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio and four others, all pardoned by Trump for their roles in the January 6 Capitol insurrection, are suing the federal government for $100 million each.
Why It Matters: Trumpâs return has emboldened January 6 insurrectionists to play the âvictimâ and go on the offensive. Their lawsuits aim to rewrite history, intimidate prosecutors, and glorify a violent attempt to overturn an electionâjust like Trump. This is justice turned upside down.
Source: The GuardianTrump says it may be better to let Ukraine and Russia 'fight for a while'
What Happened: During a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump likened the war in Ukraine to a schoolyard fight and said it might be better to let Ukraine and Russia âfight for a whileâ before intervening. He said he told Putin the suffering may need to continue before âpeace: is possible. Trump also floated sanctions on both countries.
Why It Matters: Trumpâs remarks are reprehensibleâtrivializing genocide and war crimes as if theyâre a schoolyard brawl. While Russia slaughters civilians, he mocks the conflict and undermines U.S. alliances. Russia can end the war at any moment by leaving Ukraine. Instead, Trump continues providing cover for Russiaâs genocidal aggression.
Source: NPRđľ In Trump Economic Downturn News
US Jobs Market Slows as Businesses Brace for Trump Trade War
What Happened: The U.S. added 139,000 jobs in May, a sharp slowdown driven by business uncertainty over Trumpâs trade war and the loss of 22,000 federal jobs cut under Musk. Job growth for March and April was also revised down by 95,000.
Why It Matters: The weakening job market signals growing economic strain as Trumpâs tariffs and government purges take hold. Economists warn hiring momentum is fading, and the full impact of trade policies may hit harder in the months ahead.
Source: The GuardianThe U.S. Economy Is Headed Toward an Uncomfortable Summer
What Happened: Despite steady job growth, Trumpâs erratic trade and tariff policies are freezing hiring and investment across U.S. industries. Business leaders say they canât plan for the future under constantly shifting economic rules.
Why It Matters: The uncertainty surrounding Trumpâs tariffs is destabilizing supply chains, inflating costs, and threatening a recession. Economists say Trump doesnât seem to have a consistent strategy, leaving the economy vulnerable to shocks and prolonged stagnation.
Source: Wall Street Journalđđź In Resistance News
6/14- Next National Day of Action
Check out the link for other local eventsâŚ
Source: 50501Breaking With Trump, Bacon Says He Wonât Follow His Party âOff the Cliffâ
What Happened: Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, one of the few remaining moderates in the party, openly criticized Trump, Pete Hegseth, and Elon Musk. He denounced Trumpâs authoritarian tilt and likened GOP loyalty to âfollowing someone off a cliff.â
Source: New York TimesThey served the nation. Now, these veterans say theyâre protesting to save it.
What Happened: Over 5,000 veterans rallied on the National Mall on D-Dayâs 81st anniversary to protest Trumpâs proposed 15% purge to the Department of Veterans Affairsâeliminating 80,000 jobs and gutting healthcare and benefits for millions. There were over 200 protests nationwide.
Source: Washington Post and The GuardianVeterans Protest Potential Marine Deployment to Los Angeles
What Happened: Veterans gathered at Camp Pendleton to protest the possible deployment of active-duty Marines to Los Angeles following ICE raids and civil unrest. The demonstration was sparked by Pete Hegsethâs order placing Marines on alert. Protesters urged service members to question the legality of any orders to confront civilians.
Source: CBS 8 San Diegođ By the Numbers
6/14 â Next nationwide National Day of Action
$3.7 million â Amount Chinese executive He Tianying spent on Trumpâs $TRUMP coin to gain VIP access and a White House tour
2,000 â National Guard troops Trump deployed to Los Angeles without state approval
500 â Marines on standby for possible deployment in California
21,000 â National Guard troops requested by DHS for interior immigration enforcement
$100 million â Amount each pardoned January 6 insurrectionist is suing the government for
1,300 to 81 â Planned staff purge at Voice of America
139,000 â Jobs added in May, signaling a slowdown in the labor market
95,000 â Jobs lost from downward revisions to March and April employment reports
82 â Senators supporting the bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that Trump is trying to weaken
2+ weeks â Length of time deported migrants have been held in a shipping container at Camp Lemonnier
15% â Trumpâs proposed cut to the Department of Veterans Affairs budget
80,000 â VA jobs threatened by Trumpâs proposed purge
5,000+ â Veterans who rallied in DC to protest Trumpâs VA cuts
200+ â Related veteran protests held nationwide
đ What to Watch Next
Trump is laying the groundwork to go after Social Security and Medicare â How soon before seniors and disabled Americans feel the full impact?
Trump continues turning federal hiring into a loyalty test â With expertise sidelined, how long before government services collapse under the weight of political allegiance?
Trump unleashes the military â Will opposition be branded as ârebellionâ and met with force? Will Trump invoke the Insurrection Act?
California is a test in a nationwide crackdown â How long before Trump deploys the military in other blue states?
Trumpâs crypto scheme sells access to China â What other countries are buying access and influence?
đĄ Key Takeaways
Trumpâs Economic Warfare â His erratic tariff policies are pushing the U.S. into a recession or worse and destabilizing global markets. Prices are already spiking, and manufacturers warn of supply chain disruptions. This is not economic nationalismâitâs economic destruction.
Authoritarian Infrastructure Continues Expanding â From military deployments to AI-driven purges, Trump is embedding a system built on fear, surveillance, and political loyalty.
Press Freedom Is Under Attack â Foreign and domestic journalists are being targeted on U.S. soil, signaling open hostility to independent reporting.
Data Is the New Weapon â Musk and Palantirâs access to health, financial, and social security data shows how government systems are being repurposed for surveillance.
State Resistance Is Being Criminalized â Governors who push back risk legal threats, defunding, or even arrestâwhile Trump continues to consolidate unchecked executive power.
Extremism Is Being Rewarded â From January 6 pardons to hiring aides with white nationalist ties, Trump is mainstreaming hate while silencing dissent.
đ¨ Call to Action
Document Everything: Document purges, corruption, and power grabs. Share credible information with journalists, watchdogs, and legal experts. Silence enables authoritarianismâsee something, say something.
Defend Press Freedom: Support independent journalism by subscribing to and sharing reporting that challenges Trumpâs power grab.
Contact Lawmakers: Demand accountability for Trump and Muskâs unchecked power and Trumpâs war on oversight.
Protest: Join local and national demonstrations against Trumpâs authoritarian overreach, purges, and attacks on civil rights.
Attend Town Halls: Confront lawmakers and demand answers about government purges, deregulation, and threats to constitutional rights.
Stay Vigilant: Watch for court rulings, executive overreach, and attempts to rewrite the Constitution. Document everything.
Mobilize for Action: Organize or join legal efforts and resistance movements to protect democracy and human and civil rights.
Support Whistleblowers: Encourage legal defense funds for government workers facing retaliation for exposing corruption.
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