Trump and Musk: Shock Doctrine in Action

My daughter is studying environmental science and geography and she is a budding environmental justice activist.  Occasionally, we will sit together and watch videos or read articles that she has been assigned in her college classes.  A few months ago, we watched a video on youtube called Shock Doctrine:  The Rise of Disaster Capitalism.  As events have unfolded over the past several weeks it has become apparent to me that the actions being taken by President Trump, Elon Musk, et al, are right out of the Shock Doctrine playbook.  There is very likely more shock and awe to come.   So, I enlisted artificial  intelligence to help me explain why this is most certainly true and how ordinary people can respond.

The Shock Doctrine, a concept popularized by Naomi Klein in her 2007 book, refers to the strategy of using crises—economic, political, environmental, or social—to implement radical, often unpopular policies that consolidate power and wealth. These policies typically include privatization, deregulation, and cuts to social services, enacted while the public is too disoriented or overwhelmed by the crisis to resist effectively. They benefit the elites while undermining public welfare and democratic institutions.  The doctrine relies on the idea that during moments of collective shock, people are more susceptible to accepting drastic changes they might otherwise reject.

Some Recent Actions Reflecting Shock Doctrine Principles

Since January 20, 2025, both former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have undertaken actions that align with Shock Doctrine tactics, leveraging crises or creating turmoil to push through radical changes.

Consolidation of Power within Federal Agencies: Elon Musk, as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has rapidly consolidated control over large swaths of the federal government and led mass layoffs with President Trump’s blessing. This move has sparked concerns about the potential for overreach and the undermining of democratic processes.
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Revocation of Federal DEI Guidlines:  The Trump issued executive order titled “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing,” effectively revoking federal DEI requirements targeting the public and the private sector.

Dismantling of the Education Department: The administration appointed Linda McMahon to lead the Department of Education with the explicit goal of dismantling it. This move involves significant layoffs and the termination of contracts, adversely affecting services for vulnerable student populations, including those with disabilities and low-income backgrounds. Such a radical restructuring during a period of political transition exemplifies the exploitation of societal upheaval to implement controversial policies. 

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Privatization and Corporate Favoritism: Trump’s administration has prioritized privatization in areas like healthcare and infrastructure, proposing public-private partnerships that often benefit corporate interests over public welfare.  Musk’s ventures, particularly SpaceX and Neuralink, have benefited significantly from government contracts and subsidies, effectively privatizing gains while socializing risks.

Undermining Institutions and Norms: Trump’s continued attacks on the media, judiciary, and electoral processes have created a sense of instability, making it easier to push through controversial policies.  Musk’s acquisition of major media outlets and his subsequent changes to content moderation policies have destabilized public discourse.

Imposition of Tariffs on Canada and Mexico: On March 3, 2025, President Trump announced 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, citing the need to protect American industries. These measures have sparked fears of a global trade war, with potential retaliatory actions from affected nations, leading to price hikes and supply chain disruptions. 

Responding to Shock: Individual and Collective Actions

To counter the Shock Doctrine and its psychological effects, individuals and communities can take the following actions:

1. Educate and Raise Awareness:
   • Share information about the Shock Doctrine and how it operates. 

Build Resilient Communities:

• Strengthen local networks and mutual aid groups to provide support during crises. This reduces dependence on centralized systems that may be undermined or exploited.

2. Advocate for Transparency and Accountability:
   • Demand transparency in government and corporate actions. Support independent media, investigative journalism and organizations that hold power to account.
3. Engage in Political Action:
   • Participate in protests, petitions, and lobbying efforts to resist harmful policies. Vote for leaders who prioritize public welfare over corporate interests.
4. Promote Mental and Emotional Resilience By Countering Psychological Overwhelm  The constant barrage of crises and shocks can lead to feelings of helplessness and burnout. To combat this:

• Limit Exposure to News: Set boundaries on media consumption to avoid being overwhelmed by negative information.
• Focus on Action: Channel anxiety into constructive actions, such as volunteering or organizing.
• Build Connections: Strengthen relationships with friends, family, and community members to create a support network.
• Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote mental and physical well-being, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, or religious observances.
• Seek Professional Help: If feelings of overwhelm persist, consider therapy or counseling to develop coping strategies.

By understanding the Shock Doctrine and taking proactive steps, individuals and communities can resist exploitation during crises and build a more just and resilient society.