D.C. National Guard soldiers, deputized as local law enforcement under the Trump administration, patrol the Jefferson Memorial on Aug. 14, 2025. A task force of 800 troops currently occupy the city of D.C. — Tech Sgt. Andrew Enriquez, 113th Wing/U.S. Army National Guard

By Pat Bowen, Iowa City

In Iowa City, we know what keeps us safe. It’s living in communities where we look out for our neighbors, have great schools and the healthcare we need, and where people sworn to serve and protect us prevent, investigate, and solve crimes and treat us all as equals.

No one should have the power to turn our government into a weapon against the people. The MAGA regime is spreading lies about immigrants to justify their power grab and to force the military against us.

The MAGA regime is forcing the military against anyone who disagrees with their agenda to control our freedoms, our families, and our futures.

Americans across races, backgrounds, and parties value our freedoms. But this MAGA regime of the bullies for the billionaires is occupying our communities.

This occupation is to enable them to seize more power and distract from their crimes. Now it’s L.A. and D.C., what community is next? 

The MAGA regime hopes to turn us against each other, scapegoating Black and brown people while they advance their assault on anyone who opposes their agenda. The MAGA regime wants to force the military within our borders, directly threatening our families and communities. Let’s call it what it is, a hostile takeover of our government. We must join together to stop this fascist power grab. 

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