The article examines how Senator Tom Cotton's 2020 New York Times op-ed advocating for a military response to civil unrest became a foundational logic for domestic repression under President Trump's administration. In the wake of protests against police brutality following George Floyd's death, Cotton's inflammatory rhetoric portrayed American cities as being in chaos, calling for an overwhelming military presence to restore order. This aggressive stance on law enforcement and public safety reflected a broader shift towards authoritarian responses to dissent, which continues to resonate in current political discourse.
Cotton's call for increased military force against civilian protests echoed throughout Trump's administration, reinforcing a narrative that justified domestic repression as necessary for restoring order.
The article highlights the chilling impact of Cotton's op-ed as a turning point that influenced Trump's response to civic unrest, prioritizing law enforcement over dialogue.
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