Trump & ICE protests: Returning to the dark ages
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s call to “tar and feather” Governor Gavin Newsom signals a disturbing shift in Republican rhetoric, replacing civil debate with authoritarian threats and extremist spectacle. | Today’s Political Cartoon.
In a startling example of political extremism, House Speaker Mike Johnson declared that California Governor Gavin Newsom should be “tarred and feathered” for resisting federal deportation enforcement.
Echoing the rhetoric of Donald Trump, Johnson’s inflammatory remark reveals an alarming trend within Republican leadership: the embrace of authoritarian impulses and vigilante-style threats over lawful democratic discourse.
This shift marks a dangerous regression in political norms, replacing reasoned debate with punitive spectacle.
XTRA | “TARRED AND FEATHERED”
“Tarred and feathered” refers to a historical form of public humiliation and punishment where tar and feathers were applied to a person's skin. This practice, often used in colonial America, was a way to publicly degrade and shame individuals. While not intended to be deadly, it could cause burns, blisters, and skin irritation.
GOING FURTHER
Mike Johnson suggests Gavin Newsom should be ‘tarred and feathered’ | THE GUARDIAN
Speaker Johnson says Gov. Newsom should be ‘tarred and feathered’ for defying Trump | USA TODAY
Mike Johnson Won’t Say If Gavin Newsom Should Be Arrested, Will Say California Governor Should Be “Tarred and Feathered” | VANITY FAIR
Trump: Gavin Newsom should be arrested over LA riots | THE TELEGRAPH
Newsom in interview: Trump’s actions echo authoritarian regimes | THE WASHINGTON POST
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