Trump, Saudi Arabia, and the Fracturing of an Old Alliance

 SDC News One | International Affairs Analysis

Trump, Saudi Arabia, and the Fracturing of an Old Alliance

The relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia has long been built on a simple strategic equation: security in exchange for stability. For decades, American military power protected Gulf shipping lanes and regional allies, while Saudi oil wealth and diplomatic influence helped anchor Washington’s position in the Middle East.

But following the Trump administration’s announcement of “Project Freedom” and rising instability across the Gulf region, a growing wave of online commentary and political criticism is now questioning whether that historic arrangement is beginning to crack.

In recent days, viral claims circulating across social media and political commentary platforms have alleged that Donald Trump and associated U.S. military operations were restricted from Saudi air bases and portions of Saudi-controlled airspace. As of this publication, no fully verified public confirmation has established the precise scope of any alleged restrictions. However, the intensity of the discussion reflects a deeper concern spreading throughout the region: whether Gulf allies still view the United States as a dependable security partner.

For critics of the administration, the issue goes far beyond military logistics. They argue the controversy symbolizes the collapse of a political narrative that promised strength, deterrence, and regional control.

“See what happens when you pay for protection and you don’t get it,” one viral commenter wrote, echoing frustration spreading through political discussion forums. Another added, “Saudi Arabia is the first Gulf nation to come to its senses and see what a liability the U.S. is in the region. The others will follow real soon.”

The rhetoric is emotional, but it also reveals something important about how public confidence in American foreign policy is changing.

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The Shadow of Khashoggi Still Hangs Over the Alliance

The current backlash is also reopening old wounds connected to the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

At the time, then-President Trump strongly defended the strategic partnership with Saudi leadership despite international outrage and mounting intelligence assessments regarding responsibility for the killing. One particularly remembered moment came when Trump sharply criticized reporters pressing Saudi officials about the assassination during diplomatic appearances.

That memory has returned forcefully in recent online debate.

“Just think,” one commentator wrote, “not too long ago, Trump jumped down the throat of a reporter who dared to question Mr. Prince about the brutal assassination of Jamal Khashoggi.”

For many observers, the reappearance of that moment in public discussion is not accidental. It reflects growing skepticism about whether transactional diplomacy — especially diplomacy closely tied to weapons deals, oil interests, and personal business relationships — can survive periods of regional instability.

Critics have once again raised questions about the close financial and political relationships involving Trump-world figures and Gulf states. Online commentators frequently reference “Jarvanka,” the nickname combining Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, particularly regarding Kushner’s post-White House investment relationships tied to Saudi-backed funds. While no evidence has emerged supporting claims of illegal bribery, political opponents continue using the issue as shorthand for what they view as blurred lines between public office and private financial interests.

The language online has become increasingly severe.

“The stench of corruption and the bamboozling coming out of the White House is unrelenting,” another critic posted. “Absolutely nauseous.”

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Why Gulf States May Be Recalculating

Whether or not the specific airspace-ban claims prove fully accurate, regional analysts say Gulf governments are undeniably reassessing their strategic position.

The Middle East of 2026 is not the same Middle East of 2003 or even 2020.

Several major shifts have transformed the geopolitical landscape:

• China has expanded its economic influence across the Gulf.
• Russia remains active in energy coordination and military diplomacy.
• Iran has demonstrated increased willingness to challenge U.S. naval and regional operations.
• Gulf nations are increasingly pursuing independent foreign policies instead of relying exclusively on Washington.

For decades, Saudi Arabia and neighboring monarchies believed American military supremacy guaranteed regional order. But repeated crises — from attacks on oil infrastructure to instability in the Strait of Hormuz — have exposed vulnerabilities that even overwhelming military spending cannot fully eliminate.

Project Freedom was reportedly intended to reinforce American deterrence and restore confidence after escalating regional confrontations. Instead, critics argue it may have intensified doubts about Washington’s ability to contain conflict without widening it.

That perception matters enormously in the Gulf.

The governments of the region prioritize survival and stability above ideology. If regional leaders conclude that association with Washington increases risk rather than reduces it, they may begin diversifying military and diplomatic relationships much more aggressively.

Saudi Arabia’s leadership has already demonstrated a willingness to engage simultaneously with the United States, China, and Russia while maintaining cautious communication channels with Iran. This multi-alignment strategy allows Gulf states to avoid dependence on any single superpower.

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A Transactional Foreign Policy Meets Regional Reality

Trump’s approach to foreign policy has often emphasized business-style negotiation: alliances as deals, military protection as leverage, and diplomacy measured through economic return.

Supporters argue this approach forces allies to contribute more toward their own defense and reduces American overextension abroad.

Critics counter that it weakens trust by turning long-term alliances into short-term transactions.

The current controversy illustrates the risks of that model.

Security partnerships in the Middle East are not merely financial arrangements. They depend heavily on credibility, predictability, and perception. Once allies begin questioning whether Washington can reliably deter attacks or manage escalation, the psychological foundation of the alliance begins to erode.

That erosion may already be underway.

The broader concern among analysts is not whether one administration temporarily loses access to a military facility. The larger issue is whether America’s traditional dominance in the Gulf is entering a period of irreversible decline.

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The New Middle East Order

The emerging reality may be a Middle East where no single nation holds uncontested influence.

Instead, regional powers are increasingly balancing among multiple global players:

• the United States for military technology,
• China for infrastructure and trade,
• Russia for energy coordination,
• and local diplomacy for survival.

In that environment, loyalty becomes conditional.

For decades, Saudi Arabia tolerated criticism from Washington because American military power remained indispensable. Today, Gulf leaders may believe they have alternatives.

That does not mean the U.S.-Saudi alliance is ending tomorrow. The economic and military ties remain enormous. American defense systems, intelligence networks, and energy relationships are deeply embedded throughout the region.

But it does suggest the alliance is evolving into something colder, more cautious, and more transactional on both sides.

And if the online reaction surrounding Project Freedom reveals anything, it is that many Americans — and many observers abroad — are beginning to question whether the old assumptions about American power in the Middle East still apply.

For now, the rumors, accusations, and political outrage continue to spread faster than official clarification. But beneath the noise lies a serious geopolitical question:

What happens when allies stop believing protection is guaranteed?

Allegations, Optics, and the Politics of Contradiction: Viral Claims Stir Debate Over Values and Power

 SDC News One - 

Allegations, Optics, and the Politics of Contradiction: Viral Claims Stir Debate Over Values and Power

A swirl of allegations involving an online content creator and claims about a figure identified as Bryon Noem has ignited a fast-moving political and cultural debate—one that extends far beyond the individuals involved. As clips and commentary circulate across social platforms, the story has become less about the specifics of any one accusation and more about a familiar fault line in American politics: the tension between publicly stated values and private conduct.

The controversy gained traction following a viral interview with OnlyFans model Lydia Love, whose claims—unverified and contested in the absence of formal findings—spread rapidly through digital media ecosystems. Within hours, reaction videos, podcasts, and commentary segments dissected the details, many focusing on reported high-cost interactions and the broader implications of the alleged behavior. The speed of amplification underscores how modern political discourse increasingly unfolds in real time, shaped by influencers and audiences as much as by traditional reporting.

Yet even as the particulars remain unclear, the reaction has been swift and pointed. Commentators across platforms argue that the central issue is not adult behavior conducted in private, but the optics of contradiction. For critics, the allegations appear to clash with a political brand that emphasizes “family values,” traditional gender roles, and restrictive policies affecting LGBTQ communities.

This perceived contradiction is what has propelled the story into a larger narrative—one that critics say reflects a recurring pattern in American politics. Over the past decade, multiple high-profile scandals across party lines have fueled claims of “projection,” a term often used to describe situations where public condemnation of certain behaviors coincides with private involvement in them. Whether or not such patterns hold up under scrutiny in any individual case, the accusation itself has become a potent rhetorical tool.

The discussion has also drawn renewed attention to the political record of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, particularly her support for legislation targeting transgender rights and broader LGBTQ issues. For detractors, the juxtaposition between policy positions and the current allegations—however indirect—reinforces a narrative of inconsistency within segments of the Republican Party. Supporters, meanwhile, caution against drawing conclusions from unverified claims and emphasize the need for evidence-based reporting over viral speculation.

What is clear is that the episode illustrates how cultural politics and digital media now operate in tandem. Viral interviews and reaction content are not merely commentary; they actively shape the trajectory of political narratives. In this environment, allegations—proven or not—can quickly become symbolic, representing broader critiques about power, identity, and governance.

Political analysts note that controversies framed around personal conduct often resonate because they are easily understood and emotionally charged. When tied to policy debates—particularly those involving identity and rights—they can become even more potent, feeding into existing divisions and reinforcing partisan narratives.

At the same time, the episode raises ongoing questions about media literacy and the role of audiences in navigating unverified information. As stories like this spread, the line between reporting, opinion, and entertainment can blur, leaving consumers to sort through competing claims and interpretations.

In the end, the Lydia Love allegations and the reaction they have sparked reveal as much about the current media landscape as they do about the individuals involved. They highlight a political culture in which perception can rival proof, and where the battle over values is often fought as much through viral moments as through legislation.

Whether the claims themselves are substantiated or fade under closer scrutiny, the broader conversation they have triggered—about consistency, credibility, and the intersection of private life and public policy—is unlikely to dissipate anytime soon.

CBS, Colbert, and the Talarico Effect: How a Suppressed Interview Sparked a Political Surge

SDC News One — Democracy Watch

CBS, Colbert, and the Talarico Effect: How a Suppressed Interview Sparked a Political Surge

 Comic Stephen Colbert said during Monday’s episode that CBS told him not to broadcast Talarico’s appearance, citing pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The network denied the accusation, but Colbert pushed back and released the interview on YouTube."

WASHINGTON [IFS] -- A media controversy involving CBS, late-night host Stephen Colbert, and Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico has unexpectedly reshaped the early dynamics of a closely watched primary race. What began as an alleged network decision to withhold a political interview has evolved into a case study in how modern media ecosystems can amplify, rather than suppress, political messaging.

At the center of the issue is a segment from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert that was never broadcast on television. According to Colbert, CBS declined to air his interview with Talarico, citing concerns tied to pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The network publicly denied those claims, creating a sharp contradiction between host and broadcaster that quickly drew national attention.

Rather than fading quietly, the segment found a second life online. Colbert released the full interview on YouTube, where it rapidly gained traction across social media platforms. Clips circulated widely, drawing in viewers who might not typically engage with a state-level primary contest in Texas. The result was a sudden spike in visibility for Talarico, a candidate already considered a rising figure within Democratic circles.

Political analysts point to the “Streisand effect”—a phenomenon in which attempts to limit information only increase public interest—as a key factor in the surge. By framing the interview as something that had been blocked or suppressed, the controversy added a layer of intrigue that traditional campaign messaging often struggles to achieve.

Reports indicate that the attention translated into measurable momentum. Increased online engagement, a boost in small-dollar donations, and heightened media coverage followed the release of the interview. For a campaign entering the early voting phase, such timing can be critical, particularly in a state as large and competitive as Texas.

The broader implications extend beyond a single candidate. The episode underscores the evolving relationship between legacy media institutions and digital platforms. While television networks still hold significant influence, they no longer serve as the sole gatekeepers of political content. A segment that might once have been shelved indefinitely can now reach millions within hours through alternative channels.

It also raises questions about the role of regulatory concerns in editorial decisions. The FCC, which oversees broadcast standards, has not publicly commented on the specifics of the situation. However, the mere suggestion of regulatory pressure highlights the delicate balance networks must maintain when navigating political content during election cycles.

For CBS, the incident represents a reputational challenge. The network’s denial has not fully quelled public skepticism, particularly among viewers already wary of corporate media decision-making. For Colbert, the move to release the interview independently reinforced his position as both entertainer and commentator willing to challenge institutional boundaries.

As for Talarico, the unexpected boost arrives at a pivotal moment. Early voting often sets the tone for primary outcomes, and increased name recognition can be a decisive factor in crowded races. Whether the surge translates into long-term electoral success remains to be seen, but the episode has undeniably altered the trajectory of his campaign.

In an era where information flows freely and narratives can shift overnight, the CBS-Colbert controversy serves as a reminder: attempts to control the message can sometimes end up rewriting it entirely.

What’s in a Name? Power, Erasure, and Identity Among Enslaved Women and People of Color

 SDC News One | Long Read

What’s in a Name? Power, Erasure, and Identity Among Enslaved Women and People of Color

By SDC News One Editorial Desk

Names are among the most intimate markers of identity—carriers of memory, lineage, faith, and belonging. Yet for millions of women and people of color during the era of transatlantic slavery, names were not always chosen, cherished, or even stable. They were often imposed, altered, abbreviated, or erased altogether, reflecting the brutal realities of a system that sought control not only over labor, but over identity itself.

To understand the naming patterns of enslaved women is to look closely at the intersection of power and personhood in early America. It is also to recognize how something as seemingly simple as a name can reveal the broader architecture of domination—and resistance.

The Most Common Names: Familiar, but Not Freely Chosen

Historical records—plantation inventories, census rolls, estate documents, and runaway slave advertisements—show that enslaved women were frequently given names common among white populations of the time. Names such as Mary, Hannah, Ann, Jane, Julia, Sarah, Nancy, and Eliza appear repeatedly in archival material.

Other names like Amanda, Charlotte, Priscilla, Kitty, Lucy, Emily, and Ellen were also widely used. These names often mirrored prevailing English or Biblical traditions, signaling the cultural framework imposed by enslavers.

At first glance, these names may appear neutral or even benign. But their prevalence underscores a deeper dynamic: enslaved individuals were rarely granted autonomy in naming. Instead, names were assigned by enslavers, often at birth or upon purchase, reflecting ownership rather than identity.

The repetition of such names across plantations and regions also made individuals less distinguishable in written records—another subtle form of erasure. A ledger listing multiple women named “Mary” or “Nancy” speaks less to coincidence than to a system that did not prioritize individuality among the enslaved.

Shortened and Diminished: The Language of Control

Beyond the names themselves, the way they were recorded reveals additional layers of hierarchy. Enslaved women were often listed using diminutives or shortened forms: Bet (Elizabeth), Nan (Nancy), Sary (Sarah), or Peggy (Margaret).

These truncated names could reflect colloquial speech, but they also signaled informality—sometimes even infantilization. In a society rigidly structured by race and class, the use of shortened names reinforced the subordinate status of enslaved people.

Unlike their enslavers, who were typically recorded with full names and honorifics, enslaved individuals were rarely afforded such linguistic dignity. The absence of surnames was especially significant. Without family names, generational continuity was harder to trace, further severing ties to ancestry and kinship.

Beyond English Names: Classical, Descriptive, and “Day-Based” Naming

While English and Biblical names dominated, other naming conventions also appeared. Some enslaved individuals were given classical names like Venus, Daphne, or Phillis—names drawn from Greek and Roman mythology. These choices often reflected the education or whims of enslavers rather than any cultural connection to the individuals themselves.

In other cases, names were tied to days of the week or circumstances of birth, a practice with roots in West African traditions but often reshaped under slavery. Names like Cuffee (for a boy born on a Friday) or Quasheba (Sunday-born girl) appeared in records, though more commonly among earlier generations or in certain regions.

Descriptive names—sometimes harsh or dehumanizing—also existed. These could reference physical traits, personality, or perceived behavior, further stripping individuals of agency in defining themselves.

Naming as Resistance and Reclamation

Despite the constraints, enslaved women and communities found ways to assert identity through naming practices of their own. Within quarters and family circles, individuals often used names not recorded in official documents—nicknames, African-derived names, or names passed down through oral tradition.

These “hidden transcripts” of naming served as quiet acts of resistance. They preserved cultural memory and affirmed individuality in a system designed to deny both.

Following emancipation, the act of naming—and renaming—became a powerful form of self-determination. Freed people chose surnames, often adopting names like Freeman, Washington, or Jefferson, or reclaiming family names that had been lost. Women, in particular, used naming to assert autonomy over their identities and their children’s futures.

The Gendered Dimension: Women, Naming, and Family

For enslaved women, naming carried additional weight. As primary caregivers, they often played a central role in naming children within their communities, even when official records reflected enslavers’ choices.

This duality—between imposed names and lived identities—highlights the resilience of enslaved women in maintaining familial and cultural continuity. Names spoken within the family could carry meanings, histories, and hopes that official documents ignored.

A Legacy That Endures

Today, the legacy of these naming practices continues to shape conversations about identity, race, and history. The recurrence of certain names in African American communities, the reclamation of African and culturally significant names, and the emphasis on unique or meaningful naming all reflect a long arc of resistance and self-definition.

Scholars and genealogists increasingly turn to naming patterns as tools for reconstructing histories that were deliberately obscured. Each recovered name represents not just a person, but a story—often fragmented, but no less vital.

More Than a Label

To examine the names of enslaved women and people of color is to confront a difficult truth: that identity itself was once subject to ownership. Yet it is also to witness enduring resilience.

Names, even when imposed, became vessels for survival. And over time, they became instruments of reclamation.

In the end, a name is never just a name. It is a record of who had the power to define—and who fought to redefine.

Theodore Alexander Smith

SDC NEWS ONE - CELLPHONE TECH POINEER

 Theodore Alexander Smith’s legacy, however, was never merely about the patents or the hardware that now sits quietly in the infrastructure of our modern world. It was about the "click"—that internal recalibration that happened when a sonic boom shattered the windows of his childhood home. He spent the rest of his life understanding the invisible forces of the air, whether they were the pressure waves of a jet, the structural integrity of a styrofoam block, or the complex tapestry of radio frequencies that allow a mother in Seattle to hear her son’s voice from across the globe.

In his later years, Theodore often sat on his porch, perhaps reflecting on that Spanish Galleon he had sketched with charcoal on a grocery bag. Just as he had seen a ship within a piece of burnt wood and a discarded sack, he had seen a global network within a cluttered yard of telecommunications scrap. He possessed the rare ability to see the "whole" before the parts were even assembled—a trait that served him through the turbulence of the 1960s, the hardships of the penal system, and the high-stakes boardrooms of the tech boom.

Those who knew him in his final years described a man who never lost his curiosity for "rockets, explosives, and electronics." He remained a tinkerer at heart, often seen helping neighbors with complex wiring or explaining the physics of lift to a younger generation. He was a bridge-builder, not just between radio signals, but between eras of history. He had walked the path from the soot of a Rosamond pot-belly stove to the cutting edge of the digital revolution.

When Halliburton absorbed the LNI-LAN Cellphone Tower Construction Company, the "Merlan Solution" became a standard, an invisible heartbeat in the world’s pocket. Theodore didn't mind the anonymity that often comes with such greatness; he knew that true innovation is like the air itself—essential, powerful, and felt by everyone, even if it cannot be seen.

As the sun sets over the Kern County hills where it all began, and as millions of signals bounce off the "miracle boxes" he helped conceive, the world remembers a man who refused to be defined by a clerical error at Boeing or the walls of a prison cell. Theodore Alexander Smith was a man of the future who happened to be born in 1950.

Though he passed in 2017, every time a cell phone finds a signal in a remote canyon or a custom home stands firm against the Colorado wind, Theodore’s "charcoal sketch" of a life continues to inspire. He showed us that even if you are leveled to the ground by a blast you didn't see coming, you can get back up, pick up a piece of charcoal, and redraw the world.

Happy Birthday, Theodore. The signals are still coming in loud and clear.

Where have all the MAGAs gone?

SDC News One - 
MAGA at a Crossroads: Internal Fractures Signal a Movement in Transition

 SDC News One - Where have all the MAGAs gone?

While Donald Trump maintains a loyal base, current reports suggest the MAGA movement is experiencing significant internal fractures and visible signs of decline as of May 2026. The "disappearance" of supporters is being driven by several key factors: [1, 2]

WASHINGTON [IFS] -- As of May 2026, the political movement built around former President Donald Trump continues to command a deeply loyal base. Yet beneath that surface, a growing body of reporting and firsthand accounts suggests a movement grappling with internal division, ideological strain, and signs of visible decline. While some observers frame this moment as a turning point—or even a potential unraveling—others caution that the evolution of political movements is rarely linear or final.

At the center of the current turbulence is a widening rift over foreign policy, particularly the United States’ involvement in a developing conflict with Iran. For years, “America First” functioned as a unifying principle within MAGA circles, often emphasizing non-intervention abroad. Now, that consensus appears fractured. Prominent conservative media figures, including Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly, have openly criticized the direction of U.S. engagement, with some voices not only dissenting but positioning themselves as potential standard-bearers for a post-Trump iteration of the movement.

Economic tensions are further complicating the picture. Reports of controversial policy decisions—such as financial assistance tied to international partners—have sparked backlash among segments of the base who feel domestic priorities are being sidelined. Even within Trump-aligned political ranks, figures like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene have raised concerns about the downstream effects on American farmers and industry, signaling that disagreements are no longer confined to the movement’s fringes.

Beyond policy disputes, a more personal and emotional shift is unfolding among some former supporters. Groups like “Leaving MAGA” have emerged, offering a structured space for individuals to disengage from the movement and, in some cases, rebuild strained personal relationships. These accounts often reflect what critics have dubbed the “leopard effect”—a reference to voters who supported aggressive policy agendas only to later feel directly impacted by cuts to federal services or economic disruptions tied to government restructuring efforts.

The movement’s changing visibility is also drawing attention. Once-ubiquitous MAGA flags, yard signs, and red hats appear to be less common in certain communities. While some of this decline can be attributed to local regulations or post-election fatigue, other indicators suggest a deeper cooling of enthusiasm. On social media, symbolic gestures—such as former supporters publicly discarding or destroying campaign merchandise—have become a visual shorthand for political disengagement.

Demographic shifts add another layer of complexity. Immigration enforcement policies and rhetoric have strained relationships with some minority communities that had shown pockets of support in prior election cycles. Reports indicate that certain groups, including segments of Indian-American voters, now feel increasingly alienated by the movement’s tone and direction.

Meanwhile, the long shadow of the January 6th insurrection continues to shape perceptions and participation. Legal consequences for those involved, combined with what some analysts describe as “movement fatigue,” have contributed to a sense among certain observers that MAGA may be entering a quieter, less cohesive phase.

Still, declarations of a movement’s demise can be premature. Political coalitions in the United States have a long history of splintering, rebranding, and re-emerging in new forms. What is clear, however, is that MAGA is no longer operating with the same internal unity that once defined it. Whether this moment represents a temporary recalibration or a more lasting transformation remains one of the most consequential political questions heading into the next election cycle.

For now, the movement stands at a crossroads—caught between loyalty to its founding figure and the competing visions of what its future should be.

1. The Iran War and Policy Fractures

The most recent and significant cause of the "MAGA split" is the war in Iran, which has alienated a major segment of the movement's anti-interventionist and "America First" influencers.

• Influencer Abandonment: High-profile figures like Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly have publicly criticized Trump’s foreign policy, with some media personalities vying for leadership of the movement post-Trump.
• Economic Blowback: Supporters have expressed frustration over economic policies, including a controversial bailout for Argentina that critics like Marjorie Taylor Greene argue harms U.S. farmers and industry. [1]

2. Disillusionment and "Leaving MAGA"

A growing number of former "diehards" have publicly walked away from the movement.

• Support Groups: Former insiders have founded groups like Leaving MAGA to help people exit the movement and reconcile with family members.
• The "Leopard" Effect: Some voters began regretting their support after losing access to federal services like Medicare or facing layoffs resulting from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts. [1, 2]

3. Visual and Physical Fading

The once-ubiquitous presence of MAGA symbols is reportedly thinning in many areas.

• Signage Removal: Many communities have seen a sharp decrease in flags and lawn signs, partly due to local HOA rules following the election and partly due to waning enthusiasm.
• Symbolic Breaks: Influencers and voters alike have posted videos literally burning their red hats to signal their break from the movement. [1]

4. Demographic and Legal Shifts

• Minority Voters: The movement's aggressive immigration sweeps and rhetoric have made it difficult to retain minority supporters, with Indian-American MAGA groups reporting feeling vilified by the movement's farther-right elements.
• Post-Insurrection Exhaustion: Ongoing legal consequences and "fatigue" five years after the January 6th insurrection have led some to believe the movement has entered a "death phase."