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Trump Tyranny Tracker | Day 601: Sept. 16, 2026
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A US flag flies on the side of the Department of Justice headquarters building on September 15, 2024, in Washington, DC. J. David Ake/Getty ImagesFollow my work on YouTube & Subscribe to Unmasking Russia
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Welcome to today’s Trump Tyranny Tracker…
Federal involvement in the midterms, expanding use of government power against universities and protected speech, and the growing human and financial costs of the Iran war are among today’s top stories.
Today at a Glance
Election Pressure — Democrats are training 10,000 volunteers amid concerns about possible federal law enforcement at polling places.
Government Power — DOJ has expanded investigations into more than 100 universities as federal officials consider tying research funding to compliance with their demands.
Iran War — Eighteen U.S. service members have been killed and more than 750 wounded as American bases face repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks.
What We Need to Pay Attention To
DOJ seeking reporter’s LinkedIn records in secretive First Amendment court fight
What Happened: The Justice Department is seeking records covering roughly 1,900 LinkedIn interactions involving six users as part of a national security leak investigation involving a journalist. A federal judge approved the demand and barred LinkedIn from notifying the affected users, while LinkedIn is fighting the order as overly broad.
Why It Matters: Secretly targeting a journalist’s communications and sources is an authoritarian tactic used to intimidate the press and identify who is talking to reporters. It threatens press freedom and makes whistleblowers and other sources less likely to come forward.
Source: Politico
Corruption
Billions in Taxes Go Unpaid. Under Trump, the I.R.S. Won’t Say How Much
What Happened: The IRS has delayed its annual estimate of the “tax gap,” the amount of taxes owed but not paid on time. The last estimate put the gap at nearly $700 billion for 2022. The 2023 estimate was due last fall and remains unpublished after Trump cut IRS staffing and enforcement.
Why It Matters: Trump is weakening tax enforcement while the IRS stops publishing a key measure of how much money is going uncollected. That makes it harder to see who is avoiding taxes and how much revenue the government is losing.
Source: New York Times
Power Consolidation
Trump says Kennedy Center could be ‘ripped down’ if he doesn’t get ‘recognition’
What Happened: Trump said the Kennedy Center could close or be “ripped down” if he cannot put his name on the building. A federal judge blocked the name change, and Trump responded by saying the center’s $257 million renovation would not move forward unless the ruling is overturned.
Source: ABC News
How Democrats Are Mobilizing to Counter Potential Election Interference Amid Trump Concerns
What Happened: Democratic state parties are training at least 10,000 volunteers to monitor polling places, document potential intimidation, and help de-escalate conflicts during the midterms. The effort comes as Trump has said he would do “anything necessary” during the election, and concerns increase over him deploying possible federal agents to voting sites.
Why It Matters: Armed federal agents at voting sites are a hallmark of authoritarian states, where government power is used to intimidate voters and interfere with free elections.
Source: TIME
Weaponization of Institutions
Trump Expands Fight Against Elite Colleges With Focus on ‘the DEI Problem’
What Happened: The Justice Department has expanded investigations into more than 100 universities, targeting diversity programs, admissions and hiring practices, foreign funding and international students. Federal officials are also considering shifting research funding toward schools that comply with their demands.
Why It Matters: Trump is using federal investigations and billions of dollars in research funding as leverage over universities. Schools that refuse to conform to his ideological agenda face investigations and the loss of federal money.
Source: Bloomberg
The Census Bureau Is Overrun With Staffers From a MAGA Think Tank
What Happened: At least seven people affiliated with the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute have been placed inside the Census Bureau with access to sensitive data. Members of the group helped produce a dubious report claiming thousands of noncitizens voted in 2020 that Census experts said relied on flawed methodology.
Why It Matters: Census data determines congressional representation and federal funding. Trump allies now have access to sensitive data and a role in producing election-related statistics at an agency that is supposed to remain independent.
Source: WIRED
Trump’s arch will harm historic sites but must proceed, federal officials say
What Happened: National Park Service officials acknowledge Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch would harm Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial and dozens of other historic sites. Despite those findings, federal officials say the project must move forward at its planned location.
Source: The Washington Post
Media Suppression & Authoritarian Tactics
Man Who Criticized ICE Was Protected by First Amendment, Judge Says
What Happened: Federal agents went to David Streever’s home after he sent an email criticizing ICE leadership and warned him he could face prosecution if he continued. A federal judge ruled that his email was protected political speech and said the warning likely violated the First Amendment.
Why It Matters: Agents showed up at a citizen’s home and threatened prosecution because he criticized the government. Using law enforcement to intimidate people over protected political speech is another classic authoritarian tactic.
Source: New York Times
US Senate panel approves bill to bar government officials from pressuring networks on free speech
What Happened: The Senate Commerce Committee approved a bipartisan bill allowing people to sue federal employees who pressure private companies to suppress First Amendment-protected speech. Lawmakers cited pressure on broadcasters by Trump officials.
Source: Reuters
Human & Civil Rights Abuses
Exiled Nicaraguan journalist Luis Galeano detained by ICE in Florida
What Happened: ICE detained veteran Nicaraguan journalist Luis Galeano, who fled to the U.S. in 2018 after Nicaragua’s government targeted him for his reporting. He has a pending asylum application and work authorization and was stripped of his Nicaraguan citizenship in 2023.
Source: The Guardian
Change in human trafficking policy could make some minors easier to deport
What Happened: Trump officials ordered caregivers for migrant children to stop reporting suspected labor and sex trafficking directly to the federal office responsible for protecting trafficking victims. Cases must now go through the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which decides which cases reach trafficking specialists.
Why It Matters: Trafficked children can now be deported before their case reaches the officials responsible for protecting them. Trump’s draconian immigration enforcement is being prioritized over protecting child trafficking victims.
Source: Associated Press
U.S. Fast-Tracked Deportation of Ecuadorean Politician Despite Torture Fears
What Happened: U.S. immigration authorities deported former Ecuadorean official José Serrano after three Trump-appointed immigration appeals judges overturned a ruling that found he was likely to be tortured if returned to Ecuador. The panel ruled one day after receiving the government’s appeal, and Serrano was deported within five hours.
Source: New York Times
Government Disruption
‘Sitting ducks’: Military families live in fear as U.S. troops face undisclosed missile attacks
What Happened: U.S. troops across the Middle East are facing repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks that the Pentagon has not publicly disclosed. Iranian strikes damaged or destroyed hundreds of structures at U.S. bases, while 18 service members have been killed and more than 750 wounded in the war.
Why It Matters: Tens of thousands of troops sent to the region on routine deployments are serving under fire, while families and the public have barely any information about the frequency of attacks and the full toll on U.S. forces and the scale of the war.
Source: MS NOW
States Delayed in Getting Covid Shots for Children’s Immunization Program
What Happened: States have been unable to order Covid vaccines through the CDC’s Vaccines for Children program, which provides free vaccines to roughly half of U.S. children. Privately insured patients can already get the new shots, while children and uninsured or underinsured people who depend on federal programs are still waiting.
Why It Matters: The delay is creating unequal access to vaccines based on insurance and income, leaving millions who depend on federal programs without the same access available to privately insured patients. And that puts millions of children at risk.
Source: Wall Street Journal
US Postal Service chief told associates he wants to quit
What Happened: Postmaster General David Steiner has told associates he wants to resign as the Postal Service faces worsening financial problems and scrutiny over Trump’s effort to involve the agency in mail ballot verification.
Source: Reuters
Vaccination rates drop to 10-year low for Michigan’s school–age children
What Happened: Michigan’s school vaccine exemption rate rose to 7.1% in 2025, the highest level in more than a decade and the fifth consecutive annual increase. Nearly 25,000 students received exemptions, while kindergarten exemptions reached 7.7%, well above the national average.
Source: Associated Press
Pennsylvania measles cases top 700 after four outbreak-related deaths reported
What Happened: Pennsylvania reported 731 measles cases, 38 more than just two days earlier, with 141 patients hospitalized. Four unvaccinated people have died in connection with the outbreak, while the U.S. has recorded more than 3,200 cases just this year.
Source: Reuters
Trump administration has cut or frozen $177 billion in grants across every state, analysis shows
What Happened: Trump has cut, frozen or delayed up to $177 billion in federal grants across every state and Washington, D.C. Health, nutrition, environmental programs and disaster relief account for the largest share of the disrupted funding.
Source: Associated Press
Imperial & Geopolitical Watch
U.S. Probes Iran Link to Cyberattacks on Texas-Bound Energy Tankers
What Happened: U.S. officials are investigating whether Iran or an Iran-linked actor was behind cyberattacks on two energy tankers traveling through the Strait of Gibraltar toward ports in Texas. Coast Guard and FBI teams boarded both vessels, and investigators confirmed malicious cyber activity aboard at least one ship.
Source: Wall Street Journal
U.S. Intelligence Warns of China Theft Over Sale of F-35 Jets to Saudis
What Happened: U.S. intelligence agencies warn that China could gain access to sensitive F-35 technology through Trump’s $24 billion sale of 48 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. A Defense Intelligence Agency report points to China’s military presence at Saudi bases and Chinese technology throughout the country’s telecommunications networks.
Source: New York Times
EU chief floats associate membership for Canada after U.S. trade attacks
What Happened: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the EU’s first “associate member,” a status that does not currently exist under EU treaties. Canada is seeking deeper trade, defense, and supply chain ties with Europe amid its escalating trade conflict with the U.S.
Why It Matters: Trump’s attacks are pushing one of America’s closest allies toward establishing deeper economic and security ties with Europe. Canada, like other U.S. allies, is looking for ways to reduce its dependence on the United States.
Source: Axios
Far-Right & Russian Influence Watch
Iran has improved targeting of US assets. Here’s how Russian satellites likely have helped
What Happened: Fourteen Russian intelligence satellites passed over a U.S. military base in Saudi Arabia two days before an Iranian attack. U.S. officials and international intelligence sources told CNN that Russian satellite intelligence was supplied to Iran and helped Tehran carry out more precise strikes against American targets.
Why It Matters: Russia continues to provide Iran with intelligence that is helping it carry out precise attacks against U.S. forces. That puts American troops and military assets in the region in greater danger.
Source: CNN
Unmasking RussiaRussia Shifts Its Matryoshka Network Toward the U.S. MidtermsAfter a decade of Russian operations aimed at helping Trump win elections while attacking his opponents, the Russians are at it again and have shifted their focus to the upcoming midterms…Read more6 days ago · 251 likes · 16 comments · Olga LautmanEconomic News
Fed Raises Rates in First Major Step by Warsh to Contain Inflation
What Happened: The Federal Reserve unanimously raised interest rates by a quarter point to 3.75%–4%, its first increase since 2023, as inflation remains elevated. Most Fed officials expect at least one more increase this year.
Why It Matters: Trump’s war and tariffs have pushed prices higher, forcing the Fed to raise interest rates. Americans will pay even more for mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, and other borrowing.
Source: New York Times
The World Economy Is Becoming Wary of the U.S
What Happened: Foreign governments and investors are diversifying away from U.S. assets as federal debt tops $40 trillion and Treasury yields rise above 5%, their highest level since 2007. Norway’s sovereign wealth fund plans to reduce its U.S. Treasury holdings, while France and the Netherlands have moved portions of their gold reserves out of the U.S.
Source: New York Times
Resistance
Check out 50501 for local and nationwide events…
Source: 50501
By the Numbers
$24 billion — Value of Trump’s proposed sale of 48 F-35s to Saudi Arabia
1,900 — LinkedIn interactions DOJ is seeking in a leak investigation involving a journalist
$177 billion — Federal grants cut, frozen or delayed across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
$40 trillion — U.S. federal debt
5%+ — Treasury yields, their highest level since 2007
14 — Russian intelligence satellites that passed over a U.S. base before an Iranian attack
10,000 — Volunteers being trained by Democratic state parties to monitor polling places
100+ — Universities facing DOJ investigations
250 feet — Height of Trump’s proposed triumphal arch
731 — Measles cases reported in Pennsylvania
4 — Deaths connected to Pennsylvania’s outbreak
3,200+ — Measles cases nationwide this year
18 — U.S. service members killed in the Iran war
750+ — U.S. service members wounded
What to Watch Next
Trump’s push to seize control of elections continues — How much further will federal agencies go in interfering in voting, voter data, and election administration before November?
Trump is using federal money as leverage over universities — How many schools will face investigations or lose research funding for refusing to comply with his policies?
American troops are facing repeated attacks across the Middle East — How much longer can the Pentagon keep the full scale of the attacks and casualties from the American public?
Russia is helping Iran improve its targeting of U.S. forces — Will Congress address Russia’s role in helping Iran target American troops?
Inflation has forced the Fed to raise rates — How much more will Americans pay for mortgages, credit cards, and other borrowing as war and tariffs continue increasing prices?
Key Takeaways
Election Interference — Worries over federal involvement in the midterms are serious enough that Democratic state parties are training 10,000 volunteers to monitor polling places.
Weaponization of Federal Agencies — Federal investigations, funding, and access to government data are being used to pressure universities and reshape institutions, including the Census Bureau.
Free Speech — Federal agents threatened a citizen over protected political speech while DOJ is secretly seeking thousands of interactions connected to a journalist’s account.
Iran War — Eighteen U.S. service members have been killed and more than 750 wounded as American bases face repeated attacks, while Russian intelligence is helping Iran improve its targeting.
Rising Costs — Inflation remains elevated, and the Fed has raised rates for the first time since 2023, increasing borrowing costs for households and businesses.
Call to Action
Document Everything: Document purges, corruption, and power grabs. Share credible information with journalists, watchdogs, and legal experts. Silence enables authoritarianism—see something, say something.
Defend Press Freedom: Support independent journalism by subscribing to and sharing reporting that challenges Trump’s power grab.
Contact Lawmakers: Demand accountability for Trump’s unchecked power and war on oversight.
Mobilize for Action: Organize or join legal efforts and resistance movements to protect democracy and human and civil rights.
Support Whistleblowers: Encourage legal defense funds for government workers facing retaliation for exposing corruption.
Follow my work on YouTube → Subscribe to Unmasking Russia
https://youtube.com/@unmaskingrussia
Thanks for reading the Trump Tyranny Tracker. Stay tuned for more updates.
