The summer issue of The Public Eye is out now!

PRA observes in this issue that “we’ve witnessed a sweeping escalation of authoritarian attacks” during Trump 2.0’s first 100 days, ranging from efforts to gut the social state and consolidate executive power to those targeting marginalized groups and our right to dissent. And as this issue goes to press, the regime is unleashing military force on protestors to quash a popular uprising against ICE’s paramilitary raids.


At a time when our communities and social movements face intensifying repression, this Summer 2025 issue dissects Trump 2.0 and the antidemocratic reaction.


In “Trump 2.0’s First 100 Days”, PRA’s researchers offer their assessment of the regime’s unfolding agenda in a few key areas to watch. Our next feature powerfully outlines the forces behind this agenda. In an essay adapted from her new book, investigative journalist Katherine Stewart surveys the antidemocratic reaction’s alliance of billionaire funders, MAGA activists, and more.


In our last feature, scholar Faith Lazar traces the Far Right’s changing relationship with the FBI, revealing how MAGA’s “Deep State” narrative is the latest form of a decades-long tradition of selective anti-statism.


Ending public provision is central to efforts to expand the president’s authority, as Matthew N. Lyons maintains in this issue’s commentary on the neoreactionary movement behind DOGE.


In our two online exclusives, Neil J. Young speaks with J. Gieseking about how the shifting politics of gay Republicans helped lay the groundwork for Trumpism, and Quinn Slobodian talks with Kitana Ananda about the neoliberal frontlash and return of “race science” fueling today’s Far Right.


Our cover features a beautiful illustration by artist and cultural organizer Micah Bazant. In The Art of Activism, they speak with PRA about how they interpreted the issue’s theme and the inspiration for their work.

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In This Issue


Trump 2.0's First 100 Days: Authoritarian Gains and Consolidation by Political Research Associates

In this wide-ranging piece covering the first 100 days of the second Trump administration, PRA researchers recap the state’s authoritarian gains and sweeping repressive policies, from LGBTQ rights to immigration and Christian Zionism.


Burning Down the House: What’s Behind the U.S. Antidemocratic Reaction? by Katherine Stewart

Katherine Stewart traces the rise of the antidemocratic movement fueling Trumpism and the authoritarian Right in this adapted excerpt from her book Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy. 


Tech Capitalism and the Neoreactionary Movement Behind DOGE by Matthew N. Lyons

Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative reveals a new neoreactionary bloc is growing in strength and influence within the Trump administration, although competing interests may reveal fault lines in this coalition of tech capitalists.

A Deep State Affair: How the Right Fell out of Love with the FBI by Faith Lazar

Faith Lazar details the history of the U.S. Right’s relationship to the FBI and the security state, from the early days of the Red Scare and pro-government conservatives to the anti-state militias that arose in the aftermath of Waco


The Libertarian History of the LGBTQ Movement: Author Q&A with Neil J. Young on Coming Out Republican by J. Geiseking

PRA sat down with author Neil J. Young to discuss the gay Right’s political history. The conversation offers vital context for understanding the stakes of the second Trump regime’s attacks on LGBTQ+ rights.


The Art of Activism: Micah Bazant

Artist Micah Bazant talks to PRA about organizing and chronic illness.

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