The War on Democracy: Trump, Musk, and the New Face of Terrorism
The FBI defines terrorism as "the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives."
The United Nations General Assembly defines terrorism as "criminal acts intended or calculated to provoke a state of terror in the general public for political purposes."
For years, we’ve been told that terrorism is an external threat—something that comes from foreign enemies seeking to undermine American democracy. But what if the greatest threat to democracy isn’t coming from beyond our borders, but from within?
In the past few weeks, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have engaged in a systematic campaign to dismantle institutions, purge government workers, and intimidate the public in ways that fit squarely within the definitions of terrorism. These actions aren’t just reckless governance; they’re an attempt to consolidate power through fear, coercion, and lawlessness.
Let’s break down what’s happened and why it’s so dangerous.
1. The Corporate Takeover of Government
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump appointed Elon Musk as head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). What was initially framed as a simple attempt to “cut waste” in the federal government has rapidly turned into a hostile corporate takeover of public institutions.
- Musk took control of multiple federal agencies, including USAID (the U.S. Agency for International Development), the U.S. Treasury Department, and portions of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)—granting his private team access to classified intelligence, financial records, and personal data of federal employees and U.S. citizens.
- Musk encouraged mass resignations, offering severance packages to federal employees while pushing for mass layoffs and the gutting of entire agencies.
- He issued ultimatums to the 2.3 million-person federal workforce, demanding weekly reports on their productivity under threat of termination—an intimidation tactic now facing multiple lawsuits from government employees.
This isn’t normal governance—this is a billionaire with unchecked power using corporate tactics to dismantle government agencies and silence workers through fear.
2. The Dismantling of USAID and the Weaponization of Humanitarian Aid
One of the most alarming moves has been the sudden and chaotic dismantling of USAID, the agency responsible for disaster relief, global health initiatives, and food assistance programs.
- At least 1,600 USAID employees have been fired.
- Most remaining staff have been placed on administrative leave.
- Critical aid to Gaza, Sudan, and Yemen has been cut off, worsening humanitarian crises in war zones.
Why does this matter? Because when a government deliberately removes resources from vulnerable populations, especially in conflict zones, it exerts power through deprivation and suffering.
This move also aligns with Trump’s broader ethnonationalist agenda, as his administration has simultaneously:
- Cut all federal support for the United Nations’ Palestinian refugee agency.
- Proposed forcibly relocating Palestinians from Gaza.
These actions aren’t just political—they’re meant to provoke terror in affected communities, disrupt international stability, and use suffering as a weapon.
3. The Abuse of Government Power for Political and Financial Gain
Elon Musk, a private citizen and billionaire, now holds extraordinary access to government secrets—a level of influence never before granted to someone without official government clearance.
- Democratic senators have sounded the alarm that Musk has gained access to classified intelligence, medical records, financial data, and foreign intelligence reports.
- Federal judges have intervened, temporarily blocking Musk from accessing data from the Department of Education and the OPM.
Yet, despite legal challenges and bipartisan outcry, Musk continues to wield unchecked influence over government operations, financial systems, and national security data.
This isn’t just corruption—it’s the intentional merging of corporate power with government authority to serve private interests, intimidate opposition, and erode democratic institutions.
4. The Global Spread of Trump and Musk’s Authoritarian Playbook
Trump and Musk’s authoritarian tactics aren’t happening in a vacuum—they’re inspiring other leaders around the world to adopt similar coercive measures.
- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced new legislation to crack down on media outlets receiving foreign funding—a direct echo of Trump’s efforts to discredit and dismantle independent journalism.
- Right-wing nationalist leaders in Europe and Latin America are using Musk’s government purge as justification for similar crackdowns on civil servants and government workers.
This demonstrates that Trump and Musk aren’t just threats to American democracy—they’re emboldening a global movement of authoritarianism and repression.
The Terror of Power
We tend to think of terrorism as bombs, hijackings, and violent attacks. But terrorism isn’t just about explosions—it’s about creating fear, destabilizing institutions, and exerting control over a population.
What Trump and Musk are doing fits that definition.
- They are using their power to intimidate government workers into resigning or complying.
- They are shutting down essential services and blocking humanitarian aid, knowing full well it will create suffering.
- They are merging corporate control with government authority in ways that bypass democratic checks and balances.
- They are provoking fear, uncertainty, and chaos to consolidate power.
This isn’t just a policy dispute or a debate over government efficiency. This is an intentional, coordinated strategy to dismantle democracy and rule through intimidation.
And if we don’t call it what it is—domestic terrorism—we risk normalizing it.
What Can We Do?
- Stay informed. Media suppression and disinformation are key tools of authoritarianism. Support independent journalism and fact-check sources.
- Support federal employees. These are not "bureaucrats"—they are public servants under attack for doing their jobs.
- Call your representatives. Demand investigations into Musk’s access to government data and Trump’s executive overreach.
- Vote. Elections have consequences. Trump’s second term is showing us exactly what happens when democracy is put on the back burner.
Trump and Musk want us to feel powerless. They want us to accept this as the new normal.
We cannot.
If we fail to recognize the terrorism of unchecked power, we risk watching democracy collapse under the weight of fear and intimidation.
And history will not be kind to those who stood by and let it happen.
-The Not So Common Gal