President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed outrage to aides because there have been no violent mass street demonstrations against his statements and policies. He believes he needs violent demonstrations against him in order to declare a national state of emergency that would allow him to do anything he wants.

Trump ordered Secretary of Homeland Security Tulsi Gabbard, FBI Director Kash Patel and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to immediately find spies to infiltrate protest groups and cause them to commit violent acts. “If you can’t do this right now,” warned Trump, “you can go back to television and I’ll replace you will someone who can get the violence done.”

Trump suggested that undocumented immigrants with criminal records might be recruited for the job in exchange for staying in the United States.

-David Wallechinsky

For More Information:

A Guide to Emergency Powers and Their Use (Brennan Center for Justice)