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The Steady State Announces Partnership with “No Kings” Movement to Defend Democracy

For immediate release: March 26, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Steady State, an organization of more than 400 former senior national security officials, is excited to announce its participation in the March 28 nationwide “No Kings” movement and call upon Americans in every state to join a local event. Steady State’s participation brings together experts […]

Accelerating Authoritarian Dynamics: Assessment of Democratic Decline A Periodic Update

PDF VERSION AVAILABLE HERE We assess that the main driver of increasing authoritarianism in America remains executive overreach, compounded by a renewed presidential focus on securing a legacy through any means, but especially through President Trump’s pursuit of vanity projects—including not only his war in Iran but various events linked to America’s 250th birthday. Trump […]

Important Stuff to Know About: Building the Ice Gulag, Part 4: Emptying the Gulag – Removal

This is the last in the series of four articles that examines the way in which the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department (ICE) under Trump has created a vertically integrated structure that relies on a massive multi-year appropriation from Congress, its newly recruited paramilitary detention force, Roberts Court Shadow Docket decisions, and the ability to […]

Robert S. Mueller III: Servant Leader

With Thanks to Wikipedia March 20, 2026, a true servant leader, Robert S. Mueller III, died. To many people, Mueller was one of his titles: FBI Director, Federal Prosecutor, Special Counsel, but to thousands of us in the FBI, he was our boss. And some of us had the privilege of working closely with him […]

Important Stuff to Know About: Building the Ice Gulag: Part 3, Detentions

This is is the third in the series of four articles that examines the way in which the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department (ICE) under Trump has created a vertically integrated structure that relies on a massive multi-year appropriation from Congress, its newly recruited paramilitary detention force, Roberts Court Shadow Docket decisions, and the ability […]

Important Stuff to Know About: Building the Ice Gulag – Part 2, Apprehensions

This is the second in the series of four articles that examines the way in which ICE has created a vertically integrated structure that relies on a massive multi-year appropriation from Congress, its newly recruited paramilitary detention force, Roberts Court Shadow Docket decisions, and the ability to operate without fear of serious legal consequences to […]

🎬 🎙️ From Iran to Ukraine: Inside America’s National Security Breakdown

In the latest episode of the Sentinel podcast, hosts investigative journalist to discuss the U.S. war with Iran, domestic security, and global policy challenges. Domestically, they discuss the weakened state of our institutions, loss of expertise, and politicization of decision-making. Globally, they highlight strained credibility, particularly regarding Ukraine, and the declining trust in the U.S. […]

Transcript Episode 18: From Iran to Ukraine: Inside America’s National Security Breakdown

From Iran to Ukraine: Inside America’s National Security Breakdown Strategic Failures, Intelligence Erosion, and the New Global Threat Landscape In the latest episode of the Sentinel podcast, Jim Lawler hosts investigative journalist Seth Hettena to discuss the U.S. war with Iran, domestic security, and global policy challenges. Domestically, they discuss the weakened state of our […]

Important Stuff to Know About: Building the ICE Gulag, Part 1 – Laying The Foundation

This is the first in the series of four articles that examines the way in which the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department (ICE) under Trump has created a vertically integrated structure that relies on a massive multi-year appropriation from Congress, its newly recruited paramilitary detention force, Roberts Court Shadow Docket decisions, and the ability to […]

Conflicting Signals – Trump’s Semi-Forever War

Anyone who is confused by Donald Trump’s most recent statements on ending the war against Iran can be forgiven. Trying to interpret what he’s saying at any given time has been like tracking one of those air-filled mannequins in front of a used car dealership on a windy day. The following are some examples of […]