At all levels, the Republican party has continued to embrace the idea of a militarized overthrow of the United States government to install a far-right regime.
Right-wing representatives Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia have both cited the spilling of blood as necessary to regain what they believe to be freedom. Far-right Congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio compared the "battle" against Democrats to the battle against Nazis and slavery in America's past. Republican Senator of Ted Cruz wouldn't rule out an eventual secession of Texas from the Union.
The rhetoric is even more incendiary at the local level, with Northampton County Executive candidate Steve Lynch calling for the help of "20 strong men" to storm local school boards and forcibly remove members from their positions.
And this past week, far-right Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida—who's currently at the center of a child sex trafficking investigation—appeared with white nationalist Steve Bannon, where the pair fantasized about "4,000 shock troops" occupying government positions as soon as a Republican takes office.
Watch below.
Matt Gaetz and Steve Bannon are talking about their Nazi takeover right out in the open on Traitor TV pic.twitter.com/es0u0DCgEt
— Tony Michaels 🎙 (@thetonymichaels) December 9, 2021
Gaetz told Bannon:
"People didn't like that Donald Trump raised his voice but sometimes you've got to raise your voice to raise a ruckus and to raise an army of patriots who love this country and will fight for her. We're going to operationalize the performance to go right after the people who are imposing the vaccine mandates, who are enriching themselves and who are selling out the country."
Bannon agreed:
"Understand, this is a theory of governing. It's fresh and it's new. This is Trumpism in power. That's when we went to the 4,000 shock troops we have to have that's going to man the government. Get them ready now. Right? We're going to hit the beach with the landing teams and the beachhead teams and all that nomenclature they use when President Trump wins in 2024 -- or before. You're going to have those as the 4,000 political appointees ... No more powderpuff derby. This is going to be hardcore accountability at every [congressional] committee."
Gaetz responded:
"Yes, and we're going to go after this administrative state and we're going to start at the Department of Justice and the FBI. That's the job I want. You know, send me over to the Judiciary Committee and their sphincters will tighten because they have been doing a lot of corrupt things over there."
This is at least the second time Bannon has invoked the idea of "shock troops." This past October, while speaking to a conservative social club, Bannon insisted they were necessary to "take over the administrative state and deconstruct it" the second a Republican takes office.
The rhetoric raised eyebrows on social media.
Is this the new America? @FBI
We just go on television…make some threats, set up another Insurrection & go on about our day?
Or is this ok for rich pasty folks only? Just wanna know where we at. #ResistanceUnited
Vid courtesy of @thetonymichaels
pic.twitter.com/B2jsc4Yr97
— Maddog🇺🇸 (@Maddog4Biden) December 9, 2021
Aren’t there laws on the books regarding sitting Congressmen openly plotting sedition against the US Government? Also, how much longer will Matt Gaetz and Steve Bannon be free following their other alleged crimes? Fascists are operating openly in America.
pic.twitter.com/5oizOo74Yv
— ProperGander Stephen Simpson (@BamaStephen) December 10, 2021
This is insane https://t.co/s733l2lbGw
— KansasDemocrat (@DemocratKansas) December 9, 2021
"Understand, this is a theory of governing." Yes, we know Steve. It's called fascism. https://t.co/lOUO9HRzQT
— Max Weiss (@maxthegirl) December 9, 2021
Maybe they can try this on their shared cellblock instead#LockThemUp https://t.co/KNnUqDEo9y
— Tara Dublin (Taylor's Version) (@taradublinrocks) December 9, 2021
.@mattgaetz, America already has an army of patriots. It’s called the @USArmy!
What you’re talking about is an insurgency. It’s treasonous. You should resign. And you should be arrested. You’re a traitorous disgrace. And you’re helping our enemies. #OurEnemiesAreCelebrating https://t.co/vYaJ9CVlO6
— Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) December 10, 2021
People are demanding something be done.
Pssssttt.
Yo, AG Merrick Garland. Yo, Republican FBI Director Chris Wray ... I guess it's fine with you that Matt Gaetz and Steve Bannon are in the middle of a seditious conspiracy to overthrow the US government? https://t.co/covNH3Zram
— Vegas Visions ™ (@VegasVisions) December 9, 2021
Two criminals go on one of the criminal’s podcast and talk about how they’re going to commit more crimes and their criminal leader is going to “run again and win in 2024.” This is a great example of why we desperately need some accountability. And soon. https://t.co/g2xYqrXOGP
— Andrew Wortman 🏳️🌈 (@AmoneyResists) December 9, 2021
The real enemies of the people. Seditionist traitors discussing a coup out in the open. @FBI @DOJPH do something now.
pic.twitter.com/CmAF55YjkX
— James DeHart (@JamesDeHartWa) December 9, 2021
Bannon is currently in litigation after being charged with contempt of Congress for his refusal to answer questions about his involvement in the January 6 insurrection.
@joehas/X