A giant banner featuring Donald Trump’s photo just went up at the front of the Department of Agriculture. A military parade is being planned for his birthday, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. His cabinet members shower him with praise every time they have a meeting. These are not the kinds of things that normally happen in the United States. It’s more in line with how autocratic leaders display their power in oppressive nations like North Korea and Iran to constantly remind people who’s in charge. But now that it’s starting to happen here, we have to acknowledge it and recognize it as a sign that America is sliding into autocracy.

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