While our eyes are on the welfare state’s destruction, Trump is building a police state | Judith Levine

Republicans aren't simply shrinking the government. They're investing billions in defense, border control and prisons

Last week, the federal human resources department sent out a seven-page memo ordering agencies to submit detailed plans on how they will work with the so-called department of government efficiency" (Doge) to slash their payrolls. To do this, they were to eliminate whole job categories - except one. Untouchable were positions necessary to meet law enforcement, border security, national security, immigration enforcement, or public safety responsibilities".

While we've had our eyes on the wrecking ball-Doge pulverizing social services, environmental protection and scientific research, we've hardly taken notice of what is being constructed. In the footprint of the already shabby, now half-demolished US welfare state, the Trump administration is building a police state.