In what has become an increasingly theatrical display of media alarmism, MSNBC’s latest segment on the Trump administration’s military operations has managed to transform a routine interdiction of a drug-smuggling vessel into a supposed prelude to authoritarian rule. The backdrop? A video released by the U.S. government showing a high-speed, drug-running boat being intercepted and ultimately destroyed—standard procedure in the ongoing fight against international narcotics trafficking.
Trump just smoked another drug boat
Cry harder, libs!
This is exactly what I voted for! pic.twitter.com/dcNIJvLUuV
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) October 22, 2025
But for MSNBC host Alicia Menendez and her guest, Atlantic staff writer Tom Nichols, the footage served not as evidence of law enforcement success, but as a harbinger of creeping tyranny. During the segment, Menendez breathlessly described the event as a “five-alarm fire,” opening the door for Nichols to spin an elaborate theory: the military, he warned, is being conditioned for use as Trump’s “private army”—a phrase that would be more at home in a dystopian novel than a national news broadcast.
“Yes, yes,” Menendez murmured in agreement as Nichols spoke, reinforcing every speculative thread in real time. And just when viewers thought the hyperbole had peaked, Menendez wrapped up with the now-viral line: “Tom Nichols, your brain and my brain have gone to the exact same place.”
JUST IN: Viewers are demanding an immediate retraction after MSNBC claims President Trump is now plotting to deploy the military nationwide to kill anyone he wants within the country.
You can’t hate these people enough.pic.twitter.com/x3gnvHLJ10
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 24, 2025
If that place is the realm of exaggerated political paranoia, then yes, mission accomplished.
The idea that a government destroying a narcotics vessel at sea constitutes the rehearsal phase for domestic military rule is a stretch by any measure—legally, logically, and strategically. These types of maritime interdictions have occurred under multiple administrations, both Republican and Democrat. And despite the insinuation, there’s nothing inherently unusual about using trained military or Coast Guard personnel to execute anti-narcotics missions in international waters.
MSNBC might not be an accurate source of news.
— Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) October 24, 2025
The real concern here isn’t what happened on the high seas—it’s what’s happening in the discourse.
As the 2028 election cycle heats up, moments like this are a reminder of how quickly routine events can be reframed through partisan lenses. A drug-smuggling boat destroyed becomes a “trial run” for dictatorship. A border security measure morphs into an “authoritarian rehearsal.” These narratives may play well to hyper-engaged cable news audiences, but they do little to foster meaningful debate or serious policy discussion.
MSNBC has learned precisely nothing— they’re showing zero interest in toning down the incendiary rhetoric and lies about President Trump.
Rhetoric like this aired on MSNBC is conditioning the environment for lunatic leftists to commit more violent action against President Trump…
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) October 25, 2025
Instead, they risk turning every government action—no matter how mundane—into a political Rorschach test. And in that environment, reality takes a back seat to rhetoric.
