Patti Vasquez is joined by Jen Golbeck, professor, computer scientist, psychologist, “expert in the far-right, online extremism, AI, and bad things on the internet,” and author of the MAGAReport on Substack. 

Golbeck discussed the escalating threat of military occupation in cities like Chicago, an action President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested he may pursue, stoking the MAGA base. "They are excited for him to do it," she said, "and excited for the violence against people who aren't supporters of Trump -- and not even Democrats or progressives. Anybody who doesn't support Trump, they want to see violence against them."

She highlighted President Donald Trump's recent directive to the Department of Justice to not prosecute people violating Washington, D.C.'s law prohibiting the open carry of guns. Golbeck also noted the increased presence of bots and AI-generated responses in online discussions and speculated on the impact Trump's declining health and possible death in office could have on the MAGA movement. 

Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).

And find the "Driving It Home (Full Episodes)" podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and Amazon.