Episode 05: The Rollback of Civil Rights & The Rise of Political Policing

This episode of Surviving Trump explores two deeply unsettling shifts in American democracy:

• Pillar 7: Civil Rights – The Rollback of Civil Liberties
• Pillar 8: The Politicization of Law Enforcement & the Military

With sweeping executive orders, Trump’s administration is dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, reversing decades of civil rights protections, and reshaping the justice system to serve political interests. These moves threaten equal opportunity, limit access to education, and push law enforcement toward authoritarian control.

We’ll break down the major changes, discuss the consequences for everyday Americans, and hear from The Blue Choir, a panel of engaged citizens weighing in on what worries them most.

The Blue Choir Speaks: What Concerns Them Most?

• Lisa: “Civil rights worry me the most. We are going backwards instead of forwards. Dr. King fought for these rights, and now we’re back to square one.”
• Ed: “An impartial military and law enforcement are necessary to protect our freedoms. Trump seeks to politicize them all.”
• Sue: “If Trump makes himself above the law, everything else crumbles—elections, free speech, all of it.”

Next Episodes 

• Episode 6:
  • Trump’s administration is executing one of the most radical immigration crackdowns in American history. The plan includes mass deportations, the militarization of the border, and efforts to dismantle key protections for vulnerable populations. At the same time, Trump’s second term is defined by state-sponsored disinformation—a calculated effort to blur the lines between fact and fiction. From purging government transparency measures to manipulating social media and weaponizing conspiracy theories, Trump is flooding the zone with falsehoods to erode trust in democracy.
• Episode 7:
  • Trump's Psychological Profile – His mental disorders, psychopathy, and cognitive decline.

Transcript

Bella Goode  00:00

Hello everyone, and welcome to Surviving Trump. I'm Bella Goode, and today we're on the next episode in our continuing series. We're looking at the impact that Trump is having on our Pillars of Democracy. I know that this may be dry material to listen to, not exactly the democratic answer to Joe Rogan, but hear me out. The more informed we are about our freedoms and the attempts underway to restrict or remove these freedoms, the better prepared we will be to resist this insanity. 

Since his return to office in January, Trump has spewed out a boatload of policies and executive orders that are having devastating implications for our country. Here's a quote from political columnist Simon Rosenberg that sums up what many of us are probably feeling. 

"Trump 2.0 is a profound, ongoing betrayal of America and everything that has made this remarkable nation the most powerful and the most prosperous in the world. It's why we fight as dark as all this is we cannot, for one moment, forget what Trump is doing wrong. He and his project remain deeply unstable, and his coalition is fractious. He is doing deeply unpopular things, going far beyond his narrow mandate. He is old, he is impulsive, he's reckless and clearly in decline. And as loyalists well, they're better suited for running a circus than governing." 

I began our series on The Pillars of Democracy a few weeks ago, and just to refresh your memory, The Pillars are deeply rooted in the Constitution, but they also draw from broader values and principles that have evolved over time through laws, court decisions and what you might call common practice. I think of The Pillars of Democracy as a current version of the Constitution. 

Last week's episode continued our series on The Pillars of Democracy, covering separation of church and state, especially with the rise of Christian Nationalism and education controlling what kids will learn. From these two pillars, we are reminded that mixing religion with government and restricting education would be catastrophic to our culture and way of life. 

They threaten democracy by limiting knowledge and increasing control over what people believe when schools become places for political influence instead of learning, the next generation may not have the tools to think critically or challenge unfair systems. A democracy cannot survive if people are kept in the dark or if only one version of the truth is allowed. These threats to democracy are connected, and if they are unchecked, the foundation of freedom and fairness in the US will crumble. 

This week's episode addresses Pillar Seven: Civil Rights and Pillar Eight: The Politicalization of our Law Enforcement. So let's turn to Pillar Seven: Civil Rights, or better described as the rollback of civil liberties. It certainly feels like we're at a turning point in American civil rights. Civil rights are important for making sure that everyone is treated equally, but new policies suggest that these rights might be moving backwards. 

President Donald Trump has quickly changed the country's approach to civil rights, Diversity and Equal Opportunity. With major executive orders, he has undone years of government efforts to support diversity, equity and inclusion in both public and private workplaces. His administration claims that DEI programs break civil rights laws by focusing on race and gender instead of merit and hard work. But critics argue that this is an attack on the progress made since the Civil Rights Movement, and could erase many of the hard won rights for marginalized groups. So what exactly is happening and why does it matter? 

This episode looks at five key changes in various stages of implementation. We discuss the implementation of these changes and what they need for democracy in everyday American life. So what's in the process of changing? Change number one, well, it's the end of federal DEI programs, which we've been hearing a lot about. Trump's executive order officially ends all federal Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs in government agencies, federal contracting and spending. 

This means that agencies must shut down their DEI offices, remove any DEI related content from websites and training programs and fire employees responsible for these initiatives. In addition to shutting down these programs, the order also cancels several executive orders from past administrations, both Democratic and Republican, that require federal agencies to promote equal opportunity. This decision reverses years of policies meant to ensure fairness in government hiring. And workplace practices. 

For decades, the DEI programs have played an important role in helping historically disadvantaged groups gain fair access to jobs and opportunities. Supporters of these programs say that they help create a level playing field by ensuring fair hiring practices and career advancement for underrepresented groups. However, critics argue that getting rid of these programs could lead to less diversity in the workplace, making it harder for women and minorities to succeed, and limit opportunities for many people. 

Here's an official statement from the Department of Defense as delivered by Pete Hegseth about DEI. 

"I think the single dumbest phrase in military history is 'our diversity is our strength', our unity is our shared purpose, regardless of our background and regardless of how we grew up, regardless of our gender, regardless of our race. In this department, we will treat everyone equally. We will treat everyone with fairness. We will treat everyone with respect, and we will judge you as an individual by your merit and by your commitment to the team and the mission." 

Well, having said that, I wonder how Pete would feel about running in a race with a ball and shackle around his ankle. Is that fair? Is that based on meritocracy? Would Pete acknowledge that he was disadvantaged? I guess that's the point. The Trump administration doesn't believe any assistance should be given to those that are disadvantaged. He believes that we all operate on a level playing field.

Well, what else is changing that's affecting civil rights change number two, targeting private sector diversity efforts, not enough just to go after the military or the government. This new executive order goes beyond just the government. It targets diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in private business, universities and nonprofits. Federal agencies have been told to create lists of companies, universities and organizations that support DEI which could lead to lawsuits or investigations. 

The order also allows the government to deny federal contracts to organizations with DEI policies that the administration considers discriminatory. This matters, because DEI programs have been linked to innovation, economic growth and more inclusive workplaces. Many big companies, like Meta, Walmart, Cisco, have already started cutting their programs due to pressure from conservative activists. Trump's order speeds up this trend, making businesses choose between their commitment to diversity and their ability to work with the federal government, that's a terrible- it's between a rock and a hard place. 

Here's another change, change number three, revoking civil rights protections in hiring and government contracts. A new executive order has been issued that cancels President Lyndon B Johnson's 1965 Equal Employment Opportunity Order, which had previously banned discrimination in federal contracting. This means affirmative action in federal hiring and contracting is now eliminated, removing the long standing requirement for companies to actively ensure equal opportunity. 

Additionally, federal agencies can no longer require contractors to promote diversity or affirmative action policies. This major change reverses decades of progress towards workplace equality. Since the 1960s these policies have helped women and minorities gain access to government jobs and federal contracting opportunities. Without these protections, many worry that hiring discrimination could become more common, leading to a decrease in workplace diversity. Some even fear that this could result in a labor shortage. 

Moving on to change number four, changing the definition of civil rights enforcement. The administration is changing how it interprets civil rights laws, by focusing on what it calls anti-white discrimination, it has ordered investigations into businesses, universities and other institutions that use race or gender conscious policies treating them as possible violations of civil rights laws. This change is part of a larger conservative movement that believes Diversity Equity and Inclusion policies unfairly harm white workers and students. 

This shift is significant because it reverses the usual role of civil rights enforcement. Instead of protecting historically marginalized groups from discrimination, the government will now punish institutions that try to address racial or gender inequalities. Civil rights advocates argue that this approach ignores ongoing systematic discrimination and could make it harder for people of color, women, LGBTQ and other individuals, to access opportunities in. Change number five, there's also an impact on higher education. Universities that receive federal funding can no longer use DEI or Diversity Equity and Inclusion policies when deciding who to admit, who to hire or who to include in their curriculum. 

The Department of Education has been ordered to investigate schools that continue using DEI initiatives, and they could lose federal funding as a result. In addition, Title Nine protections for LGBTQ students and affirmative action policies and admissions are being rolled back. This is important because colleges have traditionally led the way in promoting diversity and inclusion by restricting DEI efforts, the Trump administration is changing the future of education and reducing the opportunities for marginalized students. 

The weakening of Title 9 protection could also make it harder for LGBTQ students to fight discrimination on campus. So what picture do you see emerging from these five changes? I see a direct threat to civil rights. The administration says that it's making things fair by getting rid of rules that consider race, gender and background. But civil rights advocates disagree. They believe this order allows discrimination by taking away important protections that have existed for decades. It also creates fear and confusion in workplaces, schools and businesses, making people hesitant to support diversity efforts. 

Instead of addressing the real problem with inequality, the order shifts the focus and makes DEI seem like a threat rather than a way to create equal opportunities for everyone. Quite frankly, it's a political and cultural power play. Trump's move to dismantle DEI programs, it's not just about policy,it's about politics. His administration is sending a clear message to his conservative base that he's rolling back what they see as woke policies. 

At the same time, it puts corporations, universities and state governments in a very difficult position; comply with the federal government's new stance or risk financial and legal consequences. So given these changes, what can we expect now? What happens? Where do we go from here? There are legal challenges ahead, as civil rights groups and democratic led states plan to sue, arguing that the executive order breaks anti discrimination laws. Some states and businesses may push back by continuing their diversity equity and inclusion efforts despite the federal threats. 

In Congress, Democrats are expected to introduce laws to undo the order, but with Republicans in control of the House, any attempt to restore DEI initiatives may be blocked. Lola, one of my Blue Choir Panelists, what she has to say, civil rights worry her the most. "We are going backwards instead of forwards. Dr Martin Luther King died fighting for these rights, and now we are almost back to square one." This is a defining moment for civil rights. The rollback of civil liberties under Trump's executive order marks one of the most significant reversals of civil rights policies in modern American history, while his administration argues that DEI initiatives promote unfair advantages, critics see this as a direct attack on the principles of equal opportunity and fairness. 

At its core, this move raises a fundamental question, what does civil rights protection really mean in 2025 is it about ensuring that everyone has an equal shot at success, or is it about limiting policies designed to address historical disadvantages? As legal battles unfold and the country wrestles with these questions, one thing is clear, the fight over civil rights in America is far from over. These measures could reverse progress made in civil rights over the past decades, and it could affect, will affect millions of Americans. 

Let's move on to Pillar Eight, which is The Politicalization of The Military and Law Enforcement. It's a dangerous shift in power. Trump is making big changes to the country's justice system. Following a plan from the Heritage Foundation's project 2025 his administration isn't just adhere adjusting policies. It's changing how law enforcement and the military work in American society. So what does that look like? Well, the Department of Justice, the DOJ, is losing its ability to act independently. 

The federal government is gaining more control over local police. Loyalty to political leaders is becoming more important than skill or experience, and federal rules that have protected civil rights and kept law enforcement fair are being removed. Some people believe these changes will bring back law and order. Others worry they could weaken democracy, turn law enforcement and the military into tools for political power instead of justice. Let's break down what's happening and why it matters. There are six major changes to the justice system currently underway. One, the DOJ is becoming a political weapon. 

The Department of Justice has traditionally operated independently from the White House, ensuring that laws are enforced fairly and without political interference. However, under Trump, this long standing independence is being systematically dismantled, his administration has not only allowed, but actively encouraged direct political influence over prosecutions, investigations and law enforcement priorities. Past restrictions on White House interference has been revoked, giving the President and his inner circle the power to sway prosecutorial decisions. Political prosecutions are no longer just a possibility. They are becoming a reality. 

Trump has already signed executive orders aimed at investigating officials from the previous administration using the DOJ as a weapon against political opponents. This shift matters, because the rule of law depends on the impartial enforcement of justice when prosecutions are driven by political agendas rather than legal merit, democracy weakens. Justice is no longer a safeguard for all citizens, but a tool for those in power, threatening the very foundations of a fair and free society. 

The second change that's happening, the DOJ now values loyalty over experience and law enforcement, leadership, career DOJ officials, including prosecutors, investigators and legal experts, are being removed and replaced with political loyalists who will prioritize the administration's agenda. Trump's new attorney general, Pam Bondi, has repeatedly dodged questions about whether she will resist politically motivated prosecutions. Meanwhile, top officials who push back against the White House influence are either being fired or pressured to resign. This matters because a politicized department of justice means that those responsible for enforcing the law may be more focused on advancing the President's interests than ensuring justice. The result is a serious threat of corruption and abuse of power. 

Change number three, it's the federal takeover of local law enforcement, the administration is expanding federal influence over local police departments, particularly in cities and states that do not align with its policies. Trump's DOJ is actively taking over cases that local prosecutors have chosen not to pursue, effectively overriding their discretion and imposing harsher policies. This shift means that local prosecutors who refuse to enforce certain laws such as abortion bans or drug related offenses could face direct consequences, including being charged by the DOJ or even removed from office. 

The administration justifies this federal intervention by citing concerns over crime increases, despite the fact that violent crime rates are actually falling. But local officials are elected to represent their communities and make decisions based on the needs and values of their constituents. When the federal government steps in to take control, it undermines local democracy and sets a dangerous precedent for authoritarian oversight of law enforcement. 

Number four, the DOJ is also expanding the use of the death penalty. Trump has reinstated and expanded the use of the death penalty, following the recommendations of of course project 2025 which advocates for more federal executions. Before his first term, federal executions had been largely halted for decades. However, his policies resulted in more executions in just four years than the previous five decades combined. 

Now, his administration is pushing to apply capital punishment more broadly, even in cases where courts have previously ruled that are unconstitutional, such as certain sexual offenses. Why does this matter? Well, expanding the death penalty directly changes established Supreme Court rulings and raises the risk of wrongful executions. In a justice system that is becoming increasingly politicized and less accountable. This shift could have serious consequences for due process and fairness. 

Change number five, the DOJ is seeking to make abortion a criminal offense. The administration is relying on the 1873 Comstock Act. How many of you remember that? An outdated law to criminalize the shipment of abortion medication across state lines. In effect, this move bans medication abortions altogether, a procedure that made up 63% of all abortions in 2023. 

Trump's Department of Justice is aggressively targeting doctors, pharmacies and even individuals who merely provide information about abortion access. This crackdown has far reaching implications. By expanding the federal government's ability to prosecute people based on their private medical choices, it has raised serious concerns about privacy and civil rights. It also highlights how law enforcement is being weaponized to push a political agenda rather than focusing on protecting citizens. 

Change number six, eliminating the federal consent decrees. The administration is getting rid of all federal consent decrees, which are agreements used to hold police departments responsible when they break the law or violate people's civil rights. These agreements have helped bring important changes, like in Ferguson after Michael Brown was killed, and in Minneapolis after George Floyd's murder. In both cases, consent decrees led to major police reforms. Without these agreements, the federal government will stop investigating police misconduct, making it harder to hold officers accountable for things like excessive force, racial profiling and civil rights violations. 

This change is important because it increases the risk of police abuse, and it takes away a key way for communities to demand justice. Without federal oversight, police departments could get away with more harmful actions putting civil rights and public safety in danger. This is a big one. And all this is happening right before or right under our eyes. Trump is building a system designed to serve the powerful rather than enforcing the law impartially. Trump's administration is turning the justice system into a tool for political control. 

When the federal government decides who gets prosecuted, which laws are enforced and who is protected from the law, the rule of law is no longer applying equally to all Americans. It's a direct threat to democracy. Let me explain that when government only punishes its political enemies while letting its allies break the law without consequences, it creates an unfair system called selective prosecution. This weakens the idea that everyone should be treated equally under the law at the same time, if law enforcement agencies start following orders directly from the White House instead of acting independently, it removes important checks and balances meant to prevent abuse of power. 

On top of that, if the federal government pressures or threatens local governments to stop them from making decisions that reflect what their communities want, it takes away local control and silences people's voices. All of these things together make a democracy weaker and give more power to a small group of leaders, instead of the people. If these new policies go into effect, a lot of things could happen. Civil rights groups and democratic led States will continue to take these issues to court, but since the Supreme Court leans conservative, it's unclear how the judges will rule. 

Meanwhile, some state and local officials may refuse to follow the new rules, which could lead to conflicts between local police and the federal government. Congress could step in to stop or change these policies, but if Republicans are in control, they probably won't go against Trump's wishes. 

Let's hear from Frank, one of my panelists, one of my Blue Choir Panelists. Let's hear what he thinks, "Pillar eight is the most important to me. It concerns me the most. An impartial military law enforcement establishment and intelligence community are necessary to protect all of our freedoms. Trump seeks to politicize them all." 

So my final thoughts on this pillar. It's yet another fork on the road, and it appears that we are taking the wrong path. It's a dangerous precedent for law enforcement. Trump's second term is fundamentally changing the relationship between law enforcement politics and democracy by eliminating the DOJ independence, overriding the local authority and expanding federal control over policing, the administration is reshaping law enforcement into a tool for political power. 

The question we now face is, what happens when the law is no longer enforced for justice, but for those in power, the answer will determine the future of American democracy. These changes could make the military and the police more likely to follow political orders, which might weaken their commitment to staying fair and neutral. 

So next week, we finish up our series on The 10 Pillars of Democracy. Pillar Nine looks at Immigration and Pillar 10 addresses Transparency, Accountability and Disinformation. Until then, the two requests that I always make of you, leave a comment. A transcript for today's episode is available along with references and links. Start a discussion, ask questions, challenge ideas. This is your community. This is my community. Also leave a review. If this podcast resonates with you. Let me know. If it doesn't, tell me that too. I want to get this right. Should I keep going? Should I tweak the approach? Your honesty is invaluable. 

Oh, and follow me on Blue Sky. And on that note, I leave you with some Borowitz humor, Dateline Washington, the Borowitz report. Robert F Kennedy's confirmation as health and human services secretary recently received a rousing thumbs up from some of his most prominent supporters, the National Alliance of Funeral Directors. For years, the funeral industry has suffered as a result of the Democratic Party's unabashed anti death agenda. The group said in an official statement, "we are confident that Secretary Kennedy will make death great again." But the confirmation drew a less enthusiastic reaction from one of Kennedy's detractors, the worm who spent several years feasting on his brain. "As a worm, you'd expect me to be pro death," the worm said, "but this is insane!" In a more muted comment, Dr Mehmet Oz said, "Well, at least I won't be the biggest quack in the government." 

Until next time, stay engaged, stay informed, and most importantly, stay in the fight. This is Bella Goode signing off.