Letter Warns of 'Deepening Dictatorship' Under Trump

West Virginia resident calls out former president's actions as 'not normal' and 'must not be accepted'

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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In a letter to the editor, a West Virginia resident named Bruce Joffe expresses deep concerns about the actions of former President Trump, which he says are signs of a growing dictatorship. Joffe cites Trump's censorship of journalists, use of racial slurs, pardons for financial contributors, suing the government, jailing and deporting children, and agents taking control of state ballots as examples of undemocratic and authoritarian behavior that 'must not be accepted as normal.'

Why it matters

This letter reflects the growing alarm among some citizens about the perceived erosion of democratic norms and institutions during the Trump presidency. It highlights the divisive political climate in the U.S. and the fear that the country may be sliding towards authoritarianism.

The details

In his letter, Joffe condemns a range of actions by the former president, including censoring journalists, using racial slurs, granting pardons and government favors to financial contributors, suing the government, jailing and deporting children without due process, and having agents take control of state ballots. Joffe argues these actions are signs of a 'deepening dictatorship' that 'must not be accepted as normal'.

  • The letter was published on February 14, 2026.

The players

Bruce Joffe

A resident of Piedmont, West Virginia who wrote the letter to the editor expressing concerns about the former president's actions.

Donald Trump

The former president whose actions are criticized in the letter as signs of a growing dictatorship.

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What they’re saying

“Trump's billionaires censoring journalists and closing newspapers, it destroys freedom; it's despotism.”

— Bruce Joffe (wvnews.com)

“Trump's agents taking control of state ballots, it's not democracy; it's dictatorship.”

— Bruce Joffe (wvnews.com)

The takeaway

This letter highlights the deep political divisions in the U.S. and the fear among some citizens that democratic norms and institutions are being eroded. It underscores the need for vigilance in protecting democratic values and processes, even after a president leaves office.