The coup attempt unfolding in Washington D.C. and state capitals across the country should shock but not surprise us. Since taking office, Donald Trump and his administration have embraced white supremacists and their authoritarian disregard for democracy, civil liberties, and equality. Today’s actions were the obvious next steps following years of escalating rhetoric and behavior.
This does not make the chaos any less frightening. The scene outside the U.S. Capitol displayed a gruesome, terrifying image of the fascist forces Trump has empowered: Confederate flags, a giant cross, and Nazi imagery — including the antisemitic words of U.S. Congresswoman Mary Miller from our own state of Illinois, who praised Adolf Hitler in her speech to the mob. JCUA has called for her immediate resignation.