I am no stranger to the tactics employed by the Trump campaign: weaponizing fear, amplifying uncertainty and exploiting disillusionment.
Their strategy relies on knee-jerk emotional reactions designed to manipulate and divide. These tactics are easily identifiable — if you know what to look for. Unfortunately, many Americans struggling under difficult circumstances may not see them for what they are. As the late, great Hunter S. Thompson might have described it, the air is thick with fear and loathing.
Why am I able to recognize these techniques? Because I once found myself wielding them. Years ago, I became involved with the Oath Keepers, one of the most infamous militias in America.
What started as a misguided attempt to write a book after reading too much of Thompson’s “Hell’s Angels” led me down a path that turned my life upside down. Back then, all eyes were focused on the dusty Nevada desert, where the Bundy family’s standoff against the federal government drew national attention. I felt this could be a historic moment worth documenting, so I embedded myself with the group in hopes of writing my own book.
That journey lasted several years. I lost my day job but gained unprecedented access to the organization. Eventually, I accepted a role as the Oath Keepers’ national media director and associate editor of their website. During my time there, I interviewed far-right leaders, militia members and sovereign citizens. Over time, I, too, became radicalized.
But I was lucky — I got out.
My eyes were opened when I overheard a conversation between a core group member and his associates discussing Holocaust denial as if it were a matter of fact. That was a step too far. I have always believed in holding the government accountable — there’s plenty of reason for healthy skepticism — but that should never involve the threat of political violence.
Because of my experiences, I was called to testify before the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the Capitol. I shared what I witnessed and communicated my fears about what might happen if we saw a second Trump term.
Just as many Americans are growing desperate to make ends meet, Trump is growing desperate to hold onto power — at any cost. That cost includes women’s health care rights, the erosion of our democratic norms and attacks on the diversity that strengthens our nation.
Despite recent attempts to downplay Project 2025, it’s clear this is the playbook for a second Trump term — a strategy to entrench power and further dismantle democratic institutions.
Our democracy isn’t perfect; it’s a constant work in progress. It’s something we’ve fought to build and expand to ensure fundamental human rights and equality for all. It’s worth fighting for because “freedom” is supposed to belong to every American.
Freedom is for single parents. It’s for the poor. It’s for anyone who wants to practice any religion they choose — not be force-fed a particular belief by a moneyed elite.
We cannot afford to get this wrong. We must protect our democracy now before those who would undo all the sacrifices made by previous generations succeed. Only by preserving our democracy can we confront the true challenge of our time: climate change.
Jason Van Tatenhove is a writer and advocate against political violence. He is the author of “The Perils of Extremism.”
