This is What Fascism Looks Like

In a frantic message to a confidant earlier this month, Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk – in the US on a student visa – wrote: “I recently learned that someone added all my information to a doxxing website called Canary Mission because of the op-ed published last March."

The op-ed, co-authored by Ozturk and several other university students, called on Tufts to recognize the genocide of Palestinians and divest from Israeli companies in protest.

Just two weeks after sending that message, the Fulbright scholar and doctoral student was detained en route to an iftar dinner in Somerville, Massachusetts by masked, plain-clothes federal agents – all caught on video.

Ozturk is now being held in a Louisiana detention center. The government claims she "engaged in activities in support of Hamas," but has provided no evidence or specific allegations.

When asked to share what crime Ozturk was being charged with, Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed to Ozturk’s March 2025 op-ed and made additional, baseless claims about her activism.

“We gave you a visa to come and study and get a degree, not to become a social activist that tears up our university campuses," Rubio said.

"It might be more than 300 [revoked visas] at this point. We do it every day. Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visa," Rubio added.

The Authoritarian Creep

The detention of students speaking out against injustice isn’t just a violation of First Amendment rights—it’s a chilling sign that fascism is no longer a looming threat but a present-day reality on American soil. Campus crackdowns have crossed a line that should alarm every American who values constitutional freedoms—freedoms that apply to all legal residents of the U.S., including those on student visas.

Even if Ozturk had violated the terms of her visa, the government’s handling of her case is deeply alarming. She was never notified that her visa had been revoked, nor was she given the opportunity to leave the country voluntarily. Instead, she was seized off the street and thrown into detention, held without access to a lawyer for nearly 24 hours.

On Friday, a federal judge ruled that Ozturk can't be deported to Turkey without a court order. It remains to be seen whether the Trump Administration will comply.

Ozturk is just one of the few students whose stories are known. More below.

• Video of Ozturk's arrest
• Ozturk's op-ed
• Protests calling for Ozturk's release
• More on Canary Mission

AMATEUR HOUR AT THE WHITE HOUSE

On Monday, The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg revealed that he was accidentally added to a Signal group chat with 12 top U.S. government officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The group was actively discussing imminent military operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, including sensitive and potentially classified information.

Goldberg says he was added by National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and stayed in the chat for several days — initially thinking it was a hoax — until realizing it was real when US bombs began dropping in Yemen, confirming the chat's authenticity. 

The White House scrambled to contain the fallout, cycling through explanations: blaming Signal for a malfunction, accusing Goldberg of hacking, and eventually brushing it off as a simple mistake anyone could have made.

Hegseth offered the most effusive denials claiming that the details he shared on the chat about the strikes were not classified. Goldberg — who at this point had not released the entire contents of the chat — contradicted Hegseth’s claim. 

Meanwhile on Tuesday – in an odd coincidence I'm wondering might have had something to do with the timing of Goldberg's revelation – top intelligence officials were set to testify before Congress at the annual Worldwide Threats hearing. Lawmakers grilled DNI head Tulsi Gabbard and CIA chief John Ratcliffe — who were part of the 12 — about the chat, but both claimed they didn’t "recall" key details and downplayed its contents.

After denying that any classified information had been shared, the administration was rocked Wednesday when Goldberg published the contents of the chat. He withheld one CIA operative’s name, but detailed the full scope of discussions — including military strategy, targeting specifics, and criticisms of U.S. allies. Gabbard and Ratcliffe were forced to address the chat again on Day Two of testimony, this time confronted with the chat’s full contents. 

The Key Issues at Stake

• OPERATIONAL SECURITY: Using a commercial messaging app for classified information potentially jeopardized US military personnel and the mission’s success. How long has the Trump Administration been using Signal? What other information may be compromised?
• RECORDS VIOLATIONS: Signal's "disappearing message" feature (initially set by Waltz to delete after one week and later extended to four) violates the Federal Records Act requiring all government communications be archived. How many other government communications have already been lost?
• DIPLOMATIC FALLOUT: The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel shared intelligence used in the strike and was furious it had been leaked. Allies are now questioning whether the U.S. can be trusted to handle shared intelligence.
• OVERLOOKED CIVILIAN CASUALTIES: At least 53 people were killed in the Yemen strikes. The administration hasn’t clarified who the targets were. According to the chat, a Houthi engineer was seen entering his girlfriend’s apartment, which was then bombed. The building collapsed. How many civilians died? Was there no better opportunity to strike the target? Disturbingly, officials in the chat reacted with celebratory emojis instead of acknowledging the gravity of killing — even if justified — scores of civilians.

Ugh, There's More:

• A Der Spiegel report found that Gabbard, Waltz, and Hegseth had personal emails, phone numbers, and passwords publicly available, posing national security risks.
• WIRED found that Waltz’s Venmo contact book was public, exposing dozens of his high profile contacts. A not-so-smart move JD Vance is also guilty of.
• The same judge deciding whether Trump can use the Alien Enemies Act to deport migrants is overseeing a lawsuit over the government’s use of Signal and has called on the government to preserve all records.
• Hillary Clinton — criticized for using a private server for emails that contained no classified material in 2016, potentially costing her the presidency— published an op-ed titled "How Much Dumber Will This Get?"

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

This week, Trump:

- called for the DOJ and DHS to sanction law firms that challenge the White House, claiming it constitutes "unethical conduct in Federal courts." The executive order directs review of cases going back eight years while the administration faces more than 130 lawsuits against current actions. (Washington Post | White House) More below

- signed an executive order calling on states to require proof of citizenship to vote and tighten mail-in ballot counting rules. Voting rights advocates warn it will disproportionately impact low-income voters, seniors, and minorities. (USA Today | The White House)

- tasked Vice President JD Vance with removing references deemed to promote "divisive, race-centered ideology" from The Smithsonian's 21 museums and National Zoo. (The White House)

- called on the Interior Department to ensure no monuments or memorials "disparage Americans past or living (including persons living in colonial times)" and review installations removed during 2020 protests. (CNN)

- suggested support for a fund benefiting January 6 rioters who he claims protested "peacefully and patriotically." (Politico)

- warned (threatened?) US automakers not to raise prices in response to upcoming tariffs, leaving executives "rattled and worried they would face punishment." (WSJ - gift link)

- changed his tone on Canada after PM Carney declared the old US-Canada relationship dead following new tariffs impose by Trump. The two leaders spoke Friday for their first call since Carney took office two weeks ago—Trump calling it "productive" while Carney termed it "constructive" and "cordial." They plan to meet after Canadian elections in late April. (WSJ)

Latest from Government Agencies:

SOCIAL SECURITY: After nationwide backlash, the Social Security Administration delayed stricter in-person verification requirements by two weeks and eliminated them for some applicants. Starting April 14, retirement and family benefit applicants must visit field offices, while disability, Medicare and SSI applicants can still apply by phone. (AP | CNN)

DOGE POWER: A federal appeals court lifted a temporary restraining order on Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), allowing further cuts to USAID. Staff has been reduced from from 10,000 to 15, with remaining departments slated for transfer to the State Department. (AP)

USAID cuts will impact programs like Gavi, which provides vaccines for deadly diseases to children in the world's poorest countries. The organization estimates US funding would have saved eight million lives over five years. (The Hill)

HEALTH RESEARCH IMPACT: The Atlantic reports that cuts to health research will disproportionately affect "populations at higher risk of worse health outcomes" and could jeopardize future medical advances.

TESLA VANDALISM: DC officials are investigating vandalized Tesla vehicles as potential hate crimes stemming from Musk animus. In DC, crimes against political ideology fall under hate crime statutes. Trump and FBI head Kash Patel called the incidents "domestic terrorism." (The Washington Post)

HHS WORKFORCE REDUCTION: HHS announced another 10,000 employee cuts, bringing total reductions to 20,000 including earlier "buyouts." Cuts affect departments researching infectious diseases and public health threats, plus the FDA, CDC and NIH. Experts worry about impacts on scientific research, food safety, and medical innovation. (USA Today)

FORMULA SAFETY INITIATIVE: HHS and FDA announced plans to test infant formula for contaminants like heavy metals, review formula nutrients for the first time since 1998, and study formula feeding effects on children in an effort being dubbed Operation Stork Speed. Experts welcome the changes but worry budget cuts will make implementation impossible. (Scientific American)

FDA VACCINE OFFICIAL RESIGNS: The agency's top vaccine official stepped down citing HHS's "alarming vaccine hesitancy." In his resignation letter, Peter Marks wrote: "It has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by the Secretary, but rather he wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies." (AP)

Noem's Propaganda Tour

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem visited CECOT—El Salvador's notoriously harsh prison—where the administration has sent hundreds of Venezuelans accused of being Tren de Aragua gang members. Family members have filed lawsuits claiming their loved ones were targeted simply for having tattoos, with no evidence presented of gang affiliation.

Noem created a taxpayer-funded video in front of cells filled with prisoners, warning immigrants not to come to the US. Critics noted Noem's approximately $50,000 Rolex watch worn during the visit.

The Vances Tour Greenland

VP Vance and his wife Usha received a cold reception in Greenland during a visit with troops stationed there Friday. In a speech, Vance pitched citizens on cutting ties with Denmark—which has owned the island for 300 years—and partnering with the US, while assuring them the US "will not annex the island by force." When asked if they wanted to meet Second Lady Usha Vance, Greenlanders said nah, we're good. (BBC)

COURTS & LEGAL CHALLENGES

Law Firms Fight Back

Three law firms are challenging Trump’s executive orders that punish them for representing clients or companies opposed by his administration. The orders bar the firms and their employees from entering federal buildings, direct government agencies to sever all ties with them, and revoke the security clearances of individual lawyers.

PERKINS COIE: The first firm to fight back with a lawsuit against the order is known for representing Hillary Clinton and taking Amazon public in 1997. The behemoth firm has lost clients like Honeywell but retained Boeing, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Intel and the Seattle Seahawks, who vowed to continue their relationship. (White House order)

JENNER & BLOCK: Won a restraining order against Trump's order. A judge called the White House's actions "reprehensible" and "disturbing." The firm represents transgender rights cases. (Reuters)

WILMERHALE: Also secured a restraining order. The firm has ties to former FBI director Robert Mueller and represents inspectors general fired by Trump.

SETTLEMENTS: Paul, Weiss and Skadden Arps both made deals with the Trump Administration, offering millions in legal services in exchange for rescinding the punitive orders. Paul, Weiss is donating $40 million and agreed to outside legal counsel to advise them on "illegal DEI discrimination and preferences" in hiring practices. Skadden Arps made a similar $100 million deal.

Other Legal Developments

CFPB SHUTDOWN HALTED: A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction stopping the Trump Administration from shutting down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The court ordered reinstatement of fired employees with access to work materials and rescinded contract cancellations. The judge chided the government for misleading the court, saying claims that the CFPB was still performing required duties were "nothing more than window dressing." (ABC News)

AP PRESS ACCESS: The Associated Press was in court challenging the White House's ban on their access after the news agency refused to change its editorial guidance from calling the Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of America." No decision has been issued. (PBS)

DEPORTATION RESTRICTIONS: A federal judge ruled Friday that the government cannot deport anyone to a country where they are not a citizen without written notice of destination and opportunity to petition immigration courts under the Convention Against Torture. (Washington Post)

CONGRESS

HUCKABEE TESTIMONY: Mike "There is No Such Thing as a Palestinian" Huckabee, Trump's nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Israel, testified before Congress on Tuesday. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) pressed Huckabee on Israel's use of humanitarian aid restrictions—a tactic considered collective punishment under international law.

Huckabee falsely claimed Israel allows 700 aid trucks into Gaza daily, contradicting Israel's own agency statistics and humanitarian group reports. When asked about forced displacement and whether he still supports a two-state solution (which he previously endorsed), Huckabee said he would follow President Trump's will, not his own. No vote has been taken yet. (AP)

GREENE TARGETS PBS: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) called for dismantling and defunding PBS and NPR, alleging political bias and misuse of taxpayer funds. Both organizations defended their educational content and independent journalism. (AP)

MORE ON DETAINED STUDENTS

ALIREZA DOROUDI: The University of Alabama mechanical engineering doctoral student from Iran was detained by ICE and is being held in Louisiana. No reason for his arrest has been provided. (NBC News)

YUNSEO CHUNG: A judge ruled the Columbia student and legal permanent resident cannot be deported while her case is pending. Chung, who came from Korea at age seven, was arrested during anti-genocide protests at Columbia last spring. The judge determined she poses no risk and has no terrorist ties. (Newsweek | NBC)

MAHMOUD KHALIL: The Columbia University student – married to an American citizen – is still detained in Louisiana while courts decide venue jurisdiction. The government wants his case heard in Louisiana's conservative courts, while Khalil's attorneys argue for New York, where he was arrested. (AP)

MAMODOU TAAL: The Cornell doctoral student had his visa revoked after participating in pro-Palestinian protests and was suspended for disrupting a school event. After Hamas' October 7 attack, Taal posted on X that "Colonised peoples have the right to resist by any means necessary" and "Glory to the resistance!" Taal stated he opposes killing civilians and felt it was "racist to have to condemn a terrorist organization every time before criticizing Israel." (The Hill)

FROM GAZA

Journalist Casualties Mount

The IDF killed two journalists on Monday:

• Hossam Shabat (23), who worked for Al Jazeera and US outlet Drop Site News, was killed when the IDF targeted his car
• Mohammad Mansour, a Palestine Today journalist, died in a strike on his home that also killed his wife and child

The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the killings and called for an independent investigation to determine whether the journalists were "deliberately attacked." (NPR)

Days before his death, Shabat posted a heartbreaking video to X showing his reunion with his mother after 492 days of separation due to the war. The IDF claims Shabat worked with Hamas and placed him on a hit list—an accusation Shabat publicly denied. (Al Jazeera)

• Israel has killed more than 50,000 people in Gaza since the war began in October 2023. (NPR)
• Israel confirmed bombing Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis Sunday, targeting Hamas political operative Ismail Barhoum who was receiving treatment. At least five others were killed. Striking a hospital—even with a combatant inside—constitutes a war crime. (CNN)
  • The hospital attack is part of a broader Israeli offensive that has killed hundreds, including more than 200 children. With limited resources and staff, doctors are forced to prioritize patients based on survival chances. (The Guardian)
• More than 14,500 children have been killed and 40,000 orphaned since the war began. (Drop Site News)
• The IDF is investigating allegations that Brigadier General Yehuda Vach demolished the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital—Gaza's only cancer treatment center. The IDF claimed Hamas had taken over the building, but social media videos show IDF forces occupying the hospital for nearly a year as a base. The facility was destroyed through controlled detonation rather than an airstrike, raising questions about the official narrative. (The Times of Israel)

OCCUPIED WEST BANK

• Walid Khalid became the first Palestinian child to die in an Israeli prison and the 63rd Palestinian to perish this year in detention. Khalid was held without charge at a notorious Israeli prison when he collapsed. Guards allegedly refused to help administer aid, according to Defense for Children International Palestine. Israel continues to hold more than 300 Palestinian children in its prisons. (Times of Israel)
• Hamdan Ballal, the Oscar-winning director of No Other Land, a documentary about Israel's brutal decades-long attacks on the Palestinian village of Masafer Yatta was beaten by Israeli settlers, arrested by the IDF who detained and beat him for another 24 hours before his release.

READ MORE: Unsettling details and video from The Forward | The Academy – which initially refused to denounce the violence – issued an apology after uproar from more than 700 members including Richard Gere, Susan, Sarandon, Joaquin Phoenix and Penelope Cruz. Variety

HEADLINES FROM AROUND THE US

FLORIDA CHILD LABOR: Florida is considering relaxing child labor laws as businesses struggle to hire for "low-wage and often undesirable jobs" after crackdowns on undocumented workers. Proposed legislation would allow children as young as 14 to work overnight shifts—even on school days—and potentially end guaranteed meal breaks for teens. (CNN)

TEXAS MEASLES OUTBREAK: Texas remains the epicenter of a measles outbreak that has grown to 400 cases in the last two months, with additional outbreaks in five other states. (AP)

PENNSYLVANIA SENATE FLIP: After 136 years, Democrat James Andrew Malone flipped a Pennsylvania state Senate seat in a special election. The win sparks hope for Democrats in next year's midterms, potentially reducing Republican majorities. Malone's campaign focused on Social Security cuts and healthcare access. Republicans attribute the loss to Democrats running a better campaign rather than Trump's approval ratings. (CNN)

WALL STREET took a hit Friday after new economic data showed higher-than-expected core inflation and widespread consumer financial concerns across political lines. (AP)