The video the Trump administration posted across its social media accounts is “clearly intended to give the viewer a vicarious sense of being on-site as detained immigrants, who are only potentially guilty of civil legal infractions, get treated as dangerous criminals,” Chris Lehmann writes. “Multiracial democracy ends neither with a bang nor a whimper but to an ASMR soundtrack of jingling handcuffs.”

Meanwhile, Musk is still spending huge amounts of money. Not on yachts or spaceships but “to insert himself into the electoral processes of many countries.” As John Nichols reported this week, the tech entrepreneur’s latest target is here in the United States: the Wisconsin state Supreme Court, where a 4–3 progressive majority is at risk. So far, Musk has “bought a reported $1.5 million in advertising time on television stations across the state” in his push for a right-wing court that will overturn labor and abortion rights.

Even our supposed Democrats have gone MAGA. Trump’s puppet Eric Adams remains adamant that he will finish his term as mayor. As Elie Mystal suggested earlier this week, we now need to turn our attention to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who, he writes, “technically, has the power to remove Adams under the state Constitution.” But what if she won’t? In that case, Mystal points out, “any architectural expert worth listening to right now will tell you that Gracie Mansion looks a lot better when it’s covered in toilet paper.” But don’t throw eggs, he advises—they’re too expensive right now.

-Alana Pockros

Engagement Editor, The Nation

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