In Charlie's Name - Stephen Miller and J. D. Vance Call for a Campaign Against the Political Left

Stephen Miller, one of the most influential advisers in the White House, announced over the weekend in sharp words that the government would now use every means at its disposal to go after what he called a "vast domestic terror movement." In a conversation with Vice President J. D. Vance, Miller said they would mobilize all resources of the Justice and Homeland Security Departments to "identify, disrupt, dismantle and destroy these networks." He stressed that this step would be taken in memory of the murdered activist Charlie Kirk: "It will happen, and we will do it in Charlie's name."

Vance also used drastic rhetoric. In his address he said they would specifically "go after the NGO network that foments, facilitates and engages in violence." The message was clear: after Kirk's murder the government wants to massively increase pressure on civil society organizations. Miller's phrase "With God as my witness" gave the statements an almost religious undertone and reinforced the impression that an ideologically charged course is being pursued here.

It is noteworthy that law enforcement authorities so far assume that the alleged perpetrator acted alone. There is currently no evidence of a coordinated conspiracy or network in the background. Nevertheless, the case is now being used politically to justify a large-scale security agenda that goes far beyond the specific act. Critics warn that the announced "campaign" against alleged left-wing networks could ultimately become a blank check to put NGOs and activists under general suspicion and restrict their work. This threatens to further escalate the social conflict - a scenario that could deepen the divide between government and civil society.