On Sunday, The Atlantic magazine published a tinfoil hat conspiracy theory by David Frum based not on fact, but entirely on the speculation of a fervid liberal imagination. In "For Trump, This Is a Dress Rehearsal," Frum provides his theory that former President Donald Trump called out the National Guard during the immigration riots in Los Angeles to prepare for a military takeover of the 2026 midterms. Here is Frum making his laughable case based on absolutely nothing: Since Trump’s reelection, close observers of his presidency have feared a specific sequence of events that could play out ahead of midterm voting in 2026: Step 1: Use federal powers in ways to provoke some kind of made-for-TV disturbance—flames, smoke, loud noises, waving of foreign flags. Step 2: Invoke the disturbance to declare a state of emergency and deploy federal troops. Step 3: Seize control of local operations of government—policing in June 2025; voting in November 2026. The proof for this wild assertion? You would have better luck finding it in a Ouija board than in anything Frum provides. And what he does provide is nothing more than who is not currently in the government, namely General Mark Milley and former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. Some of Trump’s most fervent supporters urged him to follow this plan in November 2020. But in 2020, they waited too long—until after the votes were cast. Using the military to overturn an election already completed was too extreme a step for a Department of Defense headed by a law-respecting Cabinet secretary such as Mark Esper. But the methods Trump threatened in Los Angeles this weekend could be much more effective in November 2026 than the attempted civilian coup of January 2021. If Trump can incite disturbances in blue states before the midterm elections, he can assert emergency powers to impose federal control over the voting process, which is to say his control. Or he might suspend voting until, in his opinion, order has been restored. Either way, blue-state seats could be rendered vacant for some time. ...In his first term, Trump repeatedly talked more radically than he acted. He was usually constrained by his own appointees. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mark Milley rebuffed Trump’s suggestion during the George Floyd unrest that the military shoot protesters, which sufficed to dissuade Trump from upgrading the suggestion into a direct order. But instead of Esper and Milley, the second Trump administration’s military is headed by a former talk-show host facing troubling allegations of heavy drinking and sexual misconduct. (He denies these claims.) Hegseth owes everything to Trump. The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are likewise headed by radical partisans with dubious records, abjectly beholden to Trump. This Trump administration is sending masked agents into the streets to seize and detain people—and, in some cases, sending detainees to a prison in El Salvador without a hearing—on the basis of a 1798 law originally designed to defend the United States against invasion by the army and navy of revolutionary France. The presidency of 2025 has available a wide and messy array of emergency powers, as the legal scholar Elizabeth Goitein has described. Goitein works for the leftist Brennan Center for Justice. In his conclusion, Frum provides a final blast of bizarre tinfoil hat vibes. This weekend’s events suggest an answer. Trump knows full well that the midterms are coming. He is worried. But he might already be testing ways to protect himself that could end in subverting those elections’ integrity. So far, the results must be gratifying to him—and deeply ominous to anyone who hopes to preserve free and fair elections in the United States under this corrupt, authoritarian, and lawless presidency. As for detecting a reality based scandal, it appears Frum was unable (or unwilling) to do that even when it stared him in the face as you can see in this gem he posted about Hunter Biden's laptop in October 2020: The people on far right and far left who publicized the obviously bogus @nypost story were not dupes. They were accomplices. The story could not have been more obviously fake if it had been wearing dollar-store spectacles and attached plastic mustache. — David Frum (@davidfrum) October 18, 2020

The CBS comedians weren't the only late night hosts to lose their minds at the Trump Administration's response to the Los Angeles riots, NBC's host of Late Night, Seth Meyers, and Comedy Central's Monday host of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart, followed suit as they blamed Trump for the violence and claimed the response reeked of "authoritarianism." Stewart saw racism afoot, “Whether you win a basketball championship, a World Series championship, whether you have an exploding piñata gender reveal gone wrong. Congratulations, it's a boy and an evacuation! Or you're just protesting the Trump administration's expanded deportation raids, LA continues to be our most flammable city. This weekend's combustion was the very predictable result of a liberal city reliant on an immigrant population, colliding with a heavy-handed MAGA migrant trawling operation looking to hit its quota of brown poke-men. Gotta catch them all.”     Stewart also portrayed the scene as "an explosive situation, on the cusp of federalism vs. states' rights, border control vs. due process, terrifyingly militarized sweeps vs. hard-working people in local communities, the United States Marines vs. the Postmates guy who brought you an egg sandwich." Later, he also appeared to endorse the rioters’ veto, “So, now predictably, these non-targeted, much broader deportation efforts in cities that feel very connected to the immigrant population is a tinderbox. And Trump happily lights the fuse. Peaceful protesters, mixed with anarchists and vandals, pushed back by horseback and teargas." Meanwhile, Meyers brought out the sound effects, “The point is, that’s what the Trump administration wants, a spectacle for right-wing media, a climate of fear and chaos. And no one is better suited to achieve a climate of fear than Trump's creepiest aide, Stephen Miller. [Thunder] [Laughter ] [Witch cackle]. Miller wants terrifying mass immigration rates everywhere, regardless of whether the targets are people with criminal records or 4-year-olds. He's a rabid authoritarian who wants to create the feeling that nowhere is safe from courthouses to 7-11s.”     If that is true, Meyers should blame the people protesting the idea of law enforcement for willingly walking into that trap. As it was, Meyers would later return to the idea of authoritarianism, “Now, let’s never forget—let's never forget how the Trump administration bullies. They do it to provoke a response that retroactively excuses their bullying. They did this on purpose. It was not a misstep by Trump. This was a misstep by Trump. ICE didn't come to LA to stop people who are setting cars on fire, they came to rip families apart in an act of political theater, and we can't forget that. They want escalation. They want spectacle, because their barbaric immigration raids are wildly unpopular, so, they're resorting to authoritarian crackdowns on protests.” In the real world, Trump’s approval on immigration is north of 50 percent and is one of his best issues polling-wise. Here are transcripts for the June 9-taped shows: Comedy Central The Daily Show 6/9/2025 11:00 PM ET JON STEWART: Whether you win a basketball championship, a World Series championship, whether you have an exploding piñata gender reveal gone wrong. Congratulations, it's a boy and an evacuation! Or you're just protesting the Trump administration's expanded deportation raids, LA continues to be our most flammable city. This weekend's combustion was the very predictable result of a liberal city reliant on an immigrant population, colliding with a heavy-handed MAGA migrant trawling operation looking to hit its quota of brown poke-men. Gotta catch them all.  ... It’s an explosive situation, on the cusp of federalism vs. states' rights, border control vs. due process, terrifyingly militarized sweeps vs. hard-working people in local communities, the United States Marines vs. the Postmates guy who brought you an egg sandwich. … So, now predictably, these non-targeted, much broader deportation efforts in cities that feel very connected to the immigrant population is a tinderbox. And Trump happily lights the fuse. Peaceful protesters, mixed with anarchists and vandals, pushed back by horseback and teargas. Nothing could survive the onslaught except the attitude of teenagers. "[Bleep] You, dad — I mean, cops!” *** NBC Late Night with Seth Meyers 6/10/2025 12:49 AM ET SETH MEYERS: The point is, that’s what the Trump administration wants, a spectacle for right-wing media, a climate of fear and chaos. And no one is better suited to achieve a climate of fear than Trump's creepiest aide, Stephen Miller. [Thunder] [Laughter ] [Witch cackle]. Miller wants terrifying mass immigration rates everywhere, regardless of whether the targets are people with criminal records or 4-year-olds. He's a rabid authoritarian who wants to create the feeling that nowhere is safe from courthouses to 7-11s. … Now, let’s never forget — let's never forget how the Trump administration bullies. They do it to provoke a response that retroactively excuses their bullying. They did this on purpose. It was not a misstep by Trump. This was a misstep by Trump. ICE didn't come to LA to stop people who are setting cars on fire, they came to rip families apart in an act of political theater, and we can't forget that. They want escalation. They want spectacle, because their barbaric immigration raids are wildly unpopular, so, they're resorting to authoritarian crackdowns on protests.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (Calif.), and other Democrats demonized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Friday, characterizing its lawful operations in California as terrifying and cruel.The following day, similarly minded radicals swarmed an ICE command post near the Home Depot east of the 710 freeway in Paramount, California. Agents were savagely attacked as they drove away.The FBI has identified one of the thugs suspected of hurling rocks at ICE agents in Paramount — and the Department of Justice made clear Monday that he won't be on the run for long.Footage shows a radical wearing a helmet throwing fist-sized rocks into the windshields of ICE vehicles leaving the command post while someone off camera cheers him on in Spanish.'We are coming after you.'An individual wearing the same clothing as the rock-thrower appears multiple times in footage captured by KTTV-TV. On one occasion, he can be seen holding a red bottle while standing atop a truck and screaming at U.S. Border Patrol agents.It is clear from video taken inside one of the ICE vehicles that the incoming projectiles threatened the lives of the ICE agents therein and, on at least one occasion, punched through the glass. — (@) The FBI put the then-unnamed suspect on its Most Wanted list over the weekend and offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the rock-thrower's identification, arrest, and conviction.RELATED: Sen. Fetterman breaks ranks, admits the truth about Democrats' radical position on the anti-ICE riots Anti-ICE protesters in LA on June 8. Photo by Jim Vondruska/Getty ImagesThe bureau noted that the suspect, accused of assault on a federal officer and damage to government property, should be considered armed and dangerous. — (@) Bill Essayli, U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, noted, "We will find him. We will charge him. Justice is coming."It didn't take long to put a name to the masked face.The FBI announced Monday evening that agents identified 40-year-old Elpidio Reyna of Compton as their suspect and indicated that he is now considered a fugitive."Elpidio Reyna can run, but he can't hide," said Essayli. "Reyna, 40, is charged with assault on a federal officer, and faces up to eight years in prison if convicted."RELATED: Lies, flags, and firebombs: Just another 'mostly peaceful' riot in LA Photo by Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images After likening Los Angeles to a "third-world country," Attorney General Pam Bondi told Sean Hannity Monday, "They are doing a search warrant on his house as we speak."A spokesperson for the FBI’s Los Angeles field office told the New York Post Monday night that Reyna had not yet been captured and that the investigation was ongoing.While Reyna had not been captured as of Monday night, Bondi put him and other possible attackers on notice: "We are coming after you, federally."Both the recent attacks and the firm response from the legal arm of the Trump administration appear to have emboldened the Department of Homeland Security.Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement to Blaze News, "Under the leadership of President Trump, we will put the safety of American citizens FIRST, not these criminal illegal aliens that sanctuary city politicians are defending.""ICE will continue to enforce the law. If you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," added Noem.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Republican Rep. Mark Green of Tennessee abruptly announced Monday that he will be resigning from Congress, narrowing an already slim GOP majority. Green said he will be ending his 40-year-long career in public service to pursue a role in the private sector, which he says "was too exciting to pass up." His resignation will take place after he votes on President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill," which barely made it through the House in May and is currently making its way through the Senate. Once Green officially resigns, Republicans will hold 219 seats and Democrats will hold 212 seats. Although Green is not the first Republican member to leave this Congress, his resignation has raised some eyebrows. RELATED: Republicans clash with Democratic lawmakers defending violent anti-ICE rioters Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images"It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from Congress," Green said in a statement Monday. "Recently, I was offered an opportunity in the private sector that was too exciting to pass up. As a result, today I notified the Speaker and the House of Representatives that I will resign from Congress as soon as the House votes once again on the reconciliation package."Although Green is not the first Republican member to leave Congress since the 2024 election, his resignation has raised some eyebrows. Former Republican Reps. Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz of Florida both left Congress after President Donald Trump nominated them for attorney general and national security adviser. Gaetz's nomination was eventually withdrawn, and he was replaced with Republican Rep. Jimmy Patronis. Waltz went on to serve in the administration and was later replaced by Republican Rep. Randy Fine. Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York was also set to serve in the administration as ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik was midway through her Senate confirmation before her nomination was also pulled due to the narrow House majority. While Stefanik's nomination was withdrawn due to the slim majority, Green's resignation went unopposed.RELATED: Democrats overwhelmingly vote against resolution condemning anti-Semitic Boulder attack, while lone Republican votes present Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty ImagesA key difference between the two is that Green's seat is in a safe Republican district. Although Stefanik comfortably won re-election, the blue state of New York would have been responsible for holding a special election for her seat. Stefanik was also set to leave before the reconciliation vote, which barely made it through the House in May with a 215-214 vote. Because of the thin margin, Green said he will remain in Congress until the landmark legislation is sent back from the Senate and passes the House for a second time. House Republican leadership staff confirmed to Blaze News that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was made aware of Green's imminent resignation before his announcement on Monday, allowing for a smooth transition. Republican Gov. Bill Lee of Tennessee now must set the date for a special election. Tennessee law requires the governor to order a special election within 10 days of Green's resignation and to schedule a primary election within 55 to 60 days from the resignation and a subsequent general election within 100 to 107 days. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

One of the finest uses of Game Workshop's sprawling sci-fi universe to date is Warhammer 40k: Space Marine. Created during an era where third-person action games like Gears of War, Uncharted, and Dead Space were massively popular, Relic Entertainment departed from its usual focus on making RTS classics like Homeworld, Company of Heroes, and Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War to create a shooter starring a squad of Ultramarines. Though its sequel, Space Marine 2, only came out last year, players interested in checking out the first entry to the series can now do so through a full remaster of the 2011 project, out today. Continue reading 15 years later, Space Marine 1 just got a full remaster, and you can play it now MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best RPG games, Best Warhammer 40k games, Best space games

It’s official: there’s a new Nintendo DS-style handheld gaming PC in town. The new Ayaneo Flip 1S DS, recently teased and now officially unveiled, won’t do much to dodge those Nintendo comparisons, incorporating a two-screen display design, built-in keyboard, and game controls. This new Ayaneo handheld is a refresh of its earlier Flip DS, with a brand-new 7-inch 144Hz OLED major display at the top, coupled with a bigger 4.5-inch LCD display at the bottom. It’s fast, too, with a brand new AMD gaming CPU that could make it one of the best handhelds on the market, depending on how well it performs in the real world. Continue reading Ayaneo is making a new AMD-powered Nintendo DS handheld with an OLED screen MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best graphics card, Best gaming PC, Best SSD for gaming

Searching for ways to get water in Dune Awakening? As it's one of the most important resources, finding ways to consistently get water should be one of your top priorities while adventuring across Arrakis. Although there are lots of water sources in Dune Awakening—like Dew, Windtraps, and Stillsuits—most of the best methods take time and resources. To keep your water levels flowing, we've explained all the best ways to get water below, including methods to get water early in your survival MMO adventure. Continue reading How to get water in Dune Awakening MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best survival games, Best MMOs, Dune Awakening release date

Want to use the Blood Purifier in Dune Awakening? Utilizing a Blood Purifier (or five) is a great way to ensure your base always has a constant supply of water, allowing you to quench your thirst and fill up any leftover containers. It's essential that you learn about how Dune Awakening water works, after all, you won't be able to survive the unbearable heat of Arrakis without this precious resource. Before you can use a Blood Purifier in the MMO game, you need to complete some prerequisite steps so that your Dune Awakening base can support them. Continue reading How to use Blood Purifiers in Dune Awakening MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best survival games, Best MMOs, Dune Awakening release date

Want to build a base in Dune Awakening? Constructing a base is one of the very first things you'll do on Arrakis, and it's also one of the most important things to get right. The weather is one of the most dangerous enemies in Dune Awakening, so having a base to shield you from the sun, regular sandstorms, and the highly dangerous Coriolis Storm is essential to survival on Arrakis. With our Dune Awakening base building guide, you'll have all the information you need to create the perfect stronghold, capable of withstanding almost anything the desert planet throws at you. For even more help in your adventures, check out our guides on how to get water in Dune Awakening, and the latest on how private servers work now that the MMO game has officially launched. Continue reading Dune Awakening base building guide MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best survival games, Best MMOs, Dune Awakening release date

If you never experienced the Bethesda’s action horror game, Ghostwire Tokyo, then you’re in luck, because as much as you've missed out on a wonderfully eerie game with unique gameplay mechanics built around psychic powers, you also now have an opportunity to get it for just $7 in the latest Fanatical bundle. While much more action-oriented than developer Tango Gameworks’ earlier release, The Evil Within, it’s one that fans of the genre won’t want to miss. Continue reading Get Bethesda's award-winning horror RPG Ghostwire Tokyo for just $7 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Ghostwire: Tokyo review, Best RPG games, Best horror games