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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think the USA is on the verge of civil war?

257 replies

spitofyou · 19/01/2026 07:22

I was reading this morning about trump readying 1500 troops to deploy to Minnesota following the murder of Renee Good.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/01/18/trump-minnesota-insurrection-act/

If this goes through, that’s it right? The insurrection act means he can suspend elections, and the military will be fighting the American people.

AIBU to think it’s inevitable at this point? Trump will never back down.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
13
SorcererGaheris · 19/01/2026 15:33

ALittleUnsure1 · 19/01/2026 15:21

Yes I see

@ALittleUnsure1

Also, as a small example, Frasier and Friends are two of my favourite shows and I don't think either could be accused of promoting any kind of fascism.

They both have their flaws, as any kind of media does, but I'm hardly going to stop enjoying those shows due to the horror of contemporary politics or a potential war. Watching them is something fun for me to do. The same goes for other American TV and films and music that have been created years in the past - with music, I barely like anything from this century - practically all the music I like is from the past.

As for current/future American TV and film - if something directly endorsed fascism, or authoritarian politics of any kind, I would not enjoy that, so wouldn't watch it simply because I wouldn't find it fun to watch.

But for anything that didn't endorse anything awful and was genuinely simply pure entertainment - like Friends was - then I'd definitely watch it if I enjoyed it. I don't think it should be assumed that all entertainment contains a political agenda or propaganda purposes. Some may, perhaps more than there's been before - but there would surely still be entertainment that is JUST intended to be good entertainment.

BlackCatDiscoClub · 19/01/2026 16:13

Cassan · 19/01/2026 14:04

I have seen no evidence of cognitive decline- what do you mean?

He boasts about acing 'very tough' cognitive exams, but the 'tough' exams he is talking about (and that his medical team have had him do three times in the last year) is the screener for dementia that starts out asking you to name animals: www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-perfect-health-cognitive-tests-b2888369.html

eurochick · 19/01/2026 16:14

Radiatorvalves · 19/01/2026 07:35

An American friend suggested I watch Civil War recently. Seriously chilling, and given the very divided nature and polarization it seems like it could happen - not just some ridiculous dystopian fantasy.

www.theguardian.com/film/2024/apr/14/civil-war-review-alex-garland-kirsten-dunst-wagner-moura-cailee-spaeny-stephen-mckinley-henderson-jesse-plemons-nick-offerman

I have had this film in mind a lot recently as I have watched agog at events unfolding in the US.

Gahr · 19/01/2026 16:16

I think uncivil war is more likely, but I don't think it'll come to that. I genuinely don't think he's long for this earth.

SorcererGaheris · 19/01/2026 16:20

One (small) bit of hope to cling to is that more Republicans are speaking out about their opposition to Trump's threats about Greenland, as well as his threatened tariffs.

Military action is not supported by the vast majority of Americans (polls suggest only around 4 or 5% are in favour.)

If there's enough determined opposition from Republicans, then there might be a point at which Trump steps too far even for them. I don't know if it's likely, but I'd like there's a slight chance that he could be removed from office.

Anyway, as a dual national (American and British) I intend to register to vote so that I can do my bit to help the Democrats take back control of Congress.

SorcererGaheris · 19/01/2026 16:23

Gahr · 19/01/2026 16:16

I think uncivil war is more likely, but I don't think it'll come to that. I genuinely don't think he's long for this earth.

@Gahr

When he dies, I am tempted to blast 'Celebration' by Kool and the Gang.

I would never do such a thing normally for someone who had never done anything to me personally (and I wouldn't even do it then!) but I am dual national (both American and British) as my mother is American. I have American family and I've visited the USA countless times since I was a baby. I consider it in a number of ways to be my 'second country'.

It is a place I care about and feel a lot of affection for and I feel that Trump is trying to destroy it.

DdraigGoch · 19/01/2026 16:31

Vivi0 · 19/01/2026 08:33

No - the US is not close to civil war.

Funnily enough, many Americans have these exact same thoughts about the UK - that is is unsafe, close to civil war, is becoming an authoritarian state etc.

With MAGA every accusation is a confession.

Only one of the two countries has a secret police disappearing people from the streets.

Gahr · 19/01/2026 16:34

SorcererGaheris · 19/01/2026 16:23

@Gahr

When he dies, I am tempted to blast 'Celebration' by Kool and the Gang.

I would never do such a thing normally for someone who had never done anything to me personally (and I wouldn't even do it then!) but I am dual national (both American and British) as my mother is American. I have American family and I've visited the USA countless times since I was a baby. I consider it in a number of ways to be my 'second country'.

It is a place I care about and feel a lot of affection for and I feel that Trump is trying to destroy it.

You and me both. I'm not American but I have strong ties with the country and he infuriates me. Even more infuriating are the weak quislings who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of their country.

SorcererGaheris · 19/01/2026 16:38

Gahr · 19/01/2026 16:34

You and me both. I'm not American but I have strong ties with the country and he infuriates me. Even more infuriating are the weak quislings who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of their country.

@Gahr

As I've already stated in this thread, I'm also deeply attached to pop culture and celebrities. Not all of that is American, but quite a bit of it is.

I think it can be quite hard for some people to understand, but the depth of my attachment to showbusiness is really, really strong, to the point that it's a core part of my identity.

I would hate to see American celebrities and pop culture unfairly tarnished. If people wonder why that's my focus, then all I can say is that they need to understand that celebrities, pop culture and entertainment are the things that I value the most. I have an exceptional level of devotion to them.

oscalo · 19/01/2026 17:49

I don't know why so many think Trump is about to croak. He looks quite robust for a nearly 80 yr old to me. OK in the mental agility department he's away with the fairies, but physically looks ok. Unless some of you have access to his medical records perhaps?

Anyway, I'm more concerned with his mental state TBH, and wonder what mechanisms could or would (or won't) be used to kick him out to Shady Pines for the rest of his natural. Seriously, who decides he's loony tunes and gets rid of him due to cognitive inability to be President. Is there a precedent for this, (physical or mental illness) and does anyone know how it might work?

I suppose I'm thinking that no one would have the cojones to do it. And what happens then?

BestZebbie · 19/01/2026 17:54

oscalo · 19/01/2026 17:49

I don't know why so many think Trump is about to croak. He looks quite robust for a nearly 80 yr old to me. OK in the mental agility department he's away with the fairies, but physically looks ok. Unless some of you have access to his medical records perhaps?

Anyway, I'm more concerned with his mental state TBH, and wonder what mechanisms could or would (or won't) be used to kick him out to Shady Pines for the rest of his natural. Seriously, who decides he's loony tunes and gets rid of him due to cognitive inability to be President. Is there a precedent for this, (physical or mental illness) and does anyone know how it might work?

I suppose I'm thinking that no one would have the cojones to do it. And what happens then?

I think we look to the Night of the Long Knives for that - if he gets the idea someone might be about to oust him as leader it might get internally nasty (but I'm sure it will turn out they were mentioned doing horrible things in a few pages that then get "released" from the "Epstein Files" then so no-one should ever mention their names again).

spitofyou · 19/01/2026 18:18

oscalo · 19/01/2026 17:49

I don't know why so many think Trump is about to croak. He looks quite robust for a nearly 80 yr old to me. OK in the mental agility department he's away with the fairies, but physically looks ok. Unless some of you have access to his medical records perhaps?

Anyway, I'm more concerned with his mental state TBH, and wonder what mechanisms could or would (or won't) be used to kick him out to Shady Pines for the rest of his natural. Seriously, who decides he's loony tunes and gets rid of him due to cognitive inability to be President. Is there a precedent for this, (physical or mental illness) and does anyone know how it might work?

I suppose I'm thinking that no one would have the cojones to do it. And what happens then?

Does he? According to his own health secretary he only ever eats McDonald’s and only drinks coke. He often has bruises on his hands indicating IVs etc. he is often seen dragging one of his legs as he walks. I think in older people walking unaided and being overweight is mistaken for being robust.

OP posts:
mumwheresmyribena · 19/01/2026 18:28

APatternGrammar · 19/01/2026 08:57

He wasn’t allowed to take action in Venuzuela or tear down the East Wing without consultation but he’s done it anyway. So I wouldn’t expect him to restrict himself to what is strictly allowed.

Point taken. But at least he'd have more of a struggle to justify it. Also because the elections are under the control of each state, just banning them would/could potentially lead to a lot of lawsuits, though plenty would roll-over
iIRC elections are mentioned in the constitution too so another challenge point. (Clutching at straws here).

oscalo · 19/01/2026 18:34

@spitofyou Apparently he is bruised from taking more than the advised low dose of aspirin. That can lead to stomach lining erosion and life threatening gastric bleeds and bruising. Ask me how I know! I'm on the low dose and I had two gastric bleeds, one of which was not pleasant at all. I still take the aspirin, no choice it's a balancing act, but have 3D matrix patches on the dodgy parts of the lining of my stomach, + PPIs to help prevent further bleeding. I bruise a lot. All over, especially if I catch my sleeve in the door handle 😊I'm much younger than Trump BTW.

Anyway, it's his head that's sick not his body really. I don't know who's going to call that out though, and there's currently no treatment available either. So Shady Pines better have a room ready for him. Soon.

spitofyou · 19/01/2026 18:38

oscalo · 19/01/2026 18:34

@spitofyou Apparently he is bruised from taking more than the advised low dose of aspirin. That can lead to stomach lining erosion and life threatening gastric bleeds and bruising. Ask me how I know! I'm on the low dose and I had two gastric bleeds, one of which was not pleasant at all. I still take the aspirin, no choice it's a balancing act, but have 3D matrix patches on the dodgy parts of the lining of my stomach, + PPIs to help prevent further bleeding. I bruise a lot. All over, especially if I catch my sleeve in the door handle 😊I'm much younger than Trump BTW.

Anyway, it's his head that's sick not his body really. I don't know who's going to call that out though, and there's currently no treatment available either. So Shady Pines better have a room ready for him. Soon.

I know blood thinners are harsh, my dad is on a pretty high dose. But even he doesn’t get bruises from shaking someone’s hands. And if that WAS how trump was getting his bruises, they would be finger marks on the outside of his hands. Not massive circles.

OP posts:
Jamesblonde2 · 19/01/2026 18:43

SorcererGaheris · 19/01/2026 15:09

@Jamesblonde2

Some people have suggested that they will stop liking music and films, or at the very least that they will be encouraged to turn away from them.

The question of whether it will be easy for me to access entertainment (in the event of a war) is relevant.

The reason I gave a short description of 'E.T.' was because the person I was interacting with claimed they had never heard of it, and I took them at their word.

But that specific film is not the crux of what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the effect that a war might have on my ease of access to entertainment, and that is pertinent to this thread.

Edited

You sound a bit obsessive tbh. Crack on.

Khayker · 19/01/2026 18:48

spitofyou · 19/01/2026 07:32

Apparently they don’t do any background checks anymore. It’s terrifying.

But if the army is deployed I fear that’s it. The government will have essentially declared war on its own people.

https://www.ice.gov/careers/vetting

They absolutely do perform background checks of a high standard. Americans should not be stopping them doing what they have to. At least one country is dealing with criminals and illegals, far more effective than anything we do.

Allthatwegotisthispalebluedot · 19/01/2026 19:20

SorcererGaheris · 19/01/2026 15:09

@Jamesblonde2

Some people have suggested that they will stop liking music and films, or at the very least that they will be encouraged to turn away from them.

The question of whether it will be easy for me to access entertainment (in the event of a war) is relevant.

The reason I gave a short description of 'E.T.' was because the person I was interacting with claimed they had never heard of it, and I took them at their word.

But that specific film is not the crux of what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the effect that a war might have on my ease of access to entertainment, and that is pertinent to this thread.

Edited

Mate you realise if there’s a world war 3 - essentially a nuclear war - you’re either in the mushroom cloud and you’re vaporised immediately OR you’re dying slowly of radiation poisioning with your face peeling off.

Won’t that affect your enjoyment of US made entertainment a bit more than it being socially unacceptable to not have boycotted Netflix?

Moonshinemisses · 19/01/2026 19:21

No. You do realise that the states is a big place and most of us are just here living our lives peacefully and without conflict with our neighbors regardless of who we voted for. The situation in Minnesota has escalated in part because of the messaging from state officials. They need to get out there,.calm the situation and advise people to comply with Law enforcement and not put themselves in dangerous situations. As for civil war, how would that work? Half these extreme lefties can't go to work without safe spaces and cry if someone 'mis genders them.

DdraigGoch · 19/01/2026 19:28

bombastix · 19/01/2026 10:36

Do you think people would like Americans? I mean if the US really did tariff our economy and damage us, do you think it would be friendly? Do you think ordinary Brits would still be pleasant to Americans?

I don’t think it would be, btw, depending on the damage and or any aggressive behaviour on Greenland. All these things have a cost.

If one turns up in a MAGA hat (and I don't mean the ones the Greenlanders have made where the acronym stands for "Make America Go Away") then they're unlikely to get a warm reception.

If things kick off though, I'll be messaging my friends in the US to remind them that we do know that not all Americans are idiots, just 77 million or so. My friends didn't vote for this.

Sweetiedarling7 · 19/01/2026 19:57

All the bizarre talk about films and telly has got me thinking.

Perhaps we need Harrison Ford (back in his prime) to sweep into the Shite House and bump Trump off.

Hollywood has spent decades painting the US as valour’s minion saving the world and the irony is that they can’t even save themselves and seem intent on buggering the rest of us at every opportunity.

Given that I think Jodie Comer as Villanelle would actually be a better bet.

Problem is that even if Fart keels over tomorrow from natural causes there are further nutters lined up to sit in his orange arse print in the Oval Office.

Pandora’s box is well and truly open.

The Maga mob has tasted blood.

I think America is lost. It isn’t an ally anymore and we need to see it as an English speaking Russia.

It blows my mind to read threads where people are discussing going on holiday there.

Lonelycrab · 19/01/2026 20:02

Jamesblonde2 · 19/01/2026 18:43

You sound a bit obsessive tbh. Crack on.

Yup.

What’s happening?

WW3…

But what am I going to watch on the telly box?!?Hmm

Thoughts and prayers.

thankfulnessisnotbizarre · 19/01/2026 20:13

His term is ending shortly. Just wait few years and wait

marsaline · 19/01/2026 20:26

thankfulnessisnotbizarre · 19/01/2026 20:13

His term is ending shortly. Just wait few years and wait

he's been in for a year.

And you genuinely think he'll follow the rules about a 3rd term?

CJsGoldfish · 19/01/2026 20:30

Cassan · 19/01/2026 14:04

I have seen no evidence of cognitive decline- what do you mean?

I've never missed the laughing emoji more 😂