July 22, 2025

Everyone sees the headlines. Members get the insight. Upgrade now to receive Marc's full analysis — what the news means, not just what happened.

In the musical “Cabaret,” Cliff Bradshaw leaves the audience with this monologue: “There was a cabaret, and there was a master of ceremonies. And there was a city called Berlin in a country called Germany. And it was the end of the world. And I was dancing with Sally Bowles, and we were both fast asleep…”

For those of you who haven't been to the Kit Kat Club, “Cabaret” starts as a story about the relationship between Cliff, an American who’s recently moved to Berlin, and Sally Bowels, a cabaret performer. Spoiler alert: by the end of Act I, it’s clear that we're well into the dawn of Nazi Germany, and this is no longer a light-hearted musical about the characters at a cabaret. 

The genius of “Cabaret” is that you’re so swept into the lavishness of the show that it’s almost easy to miss the signs. You’re dancing at the cabaret until you’re no longer dancing, and when the plot twist comes, it comes at you fast. 

Well, we’re at the end of Act I, and we can’t be caught off guard. It’s the end of the world, and we’re all fast asleep.

I started Democracy Docket to ensure that we wouldn’t fall asleep at the wheel. And I know that you’re receiving my tip sheet because you don’t want to tune out what’s happening to our democracy. 

So, thank you for being a soldier in this fight. But the truth is, we don’t have enough soldiers. 

I know it’s hard, I know it’s scary, but we have to pay attention. Donald Trump and his henchmen know exactly what they’re doing. The weaponization of government, the political attacks and the mass firings are all becoming too normalized. 

The legacy media treats every unconstitutional act as normal ideological differences. They focus on the mistakes of the last election while ignoring the chaos around us. They make deals with the devil, silence outspoken voices like Stephen Colbert and fail to meet the moment at every turn. 

Let me be clear: none of this is normal. This is a slow, internal coup. And one day, we’re going to wake up and democracy as we know it will be over. 

I know that sounds dramatic, but we have to sound the siren. The bells aren’t ringing loud enough. 

So, this tip sheet isn’t for you. It’s for your friends and family who are fast asleep. It’s for the people in your life who tune out the noise. It’s for your loved ones who have yet to join the fight. We need all of them on our team — and we welcome them with open arms.

POLITICIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

The DOJ is now a political arm of the GOP 

I know I’ve written about this before, but it bears repeating: under Pam Bondi’s leadership, the Department of Justice is a political arm of the GOP, and the attorney general is Trump’s personal lawyer. Right now, we’re seeing that clearly with the Epstein Files saga. As the MAGA base calls for the release of the files, Bondi is protecting Trump — not representing the American people. 

This will only get worse. If you want to see where the DOJ’s loyalties lie, keep an eye on Bondi.

TARGETING OPPONENTS

Threatening those who oppose the administration

On Friday, as part of her latest conspiracy, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard promised to investigate and prosecute Obama administration officials for their disclosure of Russia’s efforts to interfere in the 2016 election. Then on Sunday, Trump followed up her warning with an AI-generated TikTok of President Obama getting arrested by the FBI. 

This is just another in a long series of threats to political opponents — and it should be taken seriously. With the DOJ acting as Trump’s political weapon, it will go after and prosecute those who defy and speak out against the administration. Don’t dismiss these threats. 

UNCONSTITUTIONAL ACTS

Betraying and defying the Constitution 

Under Trump, the Constitution has become nothing more than a suggestion. Administration officials have been defying court orders left and right, ignoring judges of both parties. Emil Bove, Trump’s former personal lawyer and his nominee to serve on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, told government lawyers they should say “fuck you” to court orders. And back in March, the administration defied Judge Boasberg’s orders to turn a plane of Venezuelan immigrants around. 

The administration isn’t following the normal rules. There are no guardrails. Pay attention to who they’re taking orders from — because it’s certainly not our justice system.  

ELECTION MEDDLING  

Interfering with the outcome and results of our elections

Trump and the Republican Party are gearing up for 2026. They know their policies are unpopular. They know the Epstein Files have them in hot water. So, what are they going to do? Gerrymander and suppress voters. In Texas, Trump pressured Gov. Greg Abbott to hold a special session and illegally gerrymander his state’s congressional map. And in Colorado, election officials received calls from a GOP operative asking to inspect election machines and gain access to voter rolls. 

The 2026 election isn’t going to be a normal one. Get registered now. Double-check your registration. Make a plan to vote. When democracy is on the line, it’s never too early.

Want more analysis like this from Marc? Upgrade to become a Democracy Docket premium member today and you’ll receive his weekly tip sheet, reading list and more while supporting pro-democracy media.