Echoes of '1984' in Modern America

Orwell's dystopian novel serves as a warning, not a blueprint, for today's government overreach

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In this opinion piece, the author draws parallels between the authoritarian government depicted in George Orwell's novel '1984' and concerning trends in modern American politics, including government surveillance, rewriting of history, and undermining of democratic institutions. The author argues Orwell's work was meant as a warning, not a guidebook, and urges readers to be vigilant against similar erosions of truth and freedom.

Why it matters

Orwell's '1984' is a seminal work of dystopian fiction that has long served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarian control. As the author points out, many of the novel's themes - government surveillance, historical revisionism, and the manipulation of truth - have unsettling echoes in present-day America. Understanding these parallels is crucial for citizens to recognize and resist any slide toward authoritarianism.

The details

The author draws several specific parallels between '1984' and current events, including the Trump administration's order to remove 'disparaging' content from national parks, the removal of historical exhibits highlighting marginalized groups, and the use of government surveillance tools like Flock cameras and subpoenas to monitor citizens. These actions are presented as attempts to rewrite the past and control the flow of information, mirroring the tactics of the 'Ministry of Truth' in Orwell's novel.

  • In March 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History' that directed the National Park Service to remove any content deemed to 'disparage Americans past or living'.
  • In January 2026, park service workers took down an exhibit called 'Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation' at the President's House Site in Philadelphia.
  • In September 2026, the Department of Homeland Security used an administrative subpoena to try to identify Instagram users who posted about ICE raids in Los Angeles.

The players

George Orwell

The author of the dystopian novel '1984', which serves as the primary inspiration and comparison point for this article.

Donald Trump

The former president whose administration is cited as taking actions that echo the authoritarian tactics depicted in '1984'.

Alex Pretti

A Minneapolis resident whose killing by police is described as a 'chilling modern version' of the '1984' depiction of heavy-handed government.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Two and two are four." "Sometimes, Winston. Sometimes they are five. Sometimes they are three. Sometimes they are all of them at once. You must try harder. It is not easy to become sane.”

— George Orwell, Author (1984)

“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.”

— George Orwell, Author (1984)

What’s next

The author does not provide any clear next steps, as the article is focused on drawing parallels between current events and the dystopian themes of Orwell's '1984'. The piece serves more as a warning and call to vigilance than a prescriptive roadmap for action.

The takeaway

This article highlights the importance of recognizing and resisting authoritarian tendencies in government, even when they do not fully replicate the extreme totalitarianism depicted in works of fiction like '1984'. By understanding the warning signs and historical context, citizens can work to uphold democratic values and the integrity of truth in the face of efforts to manipulate the past and control the present.