On Offense: Conversations with Kris Goldsmith

Charlie Kirk was assassinated yesterday in front of a crowd of college students. The images and reports are shocking, and the gravity of the moment is impossible to overstate. A prominent American political figure was gunned down on stage, and the country is going to be worse off for it.Let me be clear from the start: I am not celebrating what happened, nor am I excusing or condoning it. Political assassination is a tragedy, no matter who the target is. But refusing to look squarely at the meaning of this moment would be its own kind of dishonesty. My responsibility—as a veteran, as someone who has studied extremist movements for years, and as someone committed to defending democracy—is to help make sense of it.This assassination is not an isolated event. It is part of a dangerous political trajectory that Kirk himself helped accelerate: the mainstreaming of conspiracy theories, the normalization of political violence, and the transformation of opponents into enemies. Donald Trump and the MAGA movement have built their power on these same foundations. Kirk was one of their most important propagandists, and his death will not end the movement’s violent trajectory. If anything, it will deepen and intensify it. Understanding that reality is the first step in preparing ourselves for what comes next.On Offense with Kris Goldsmith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Charlie Kirk’s Legacy of Political ViolenceCharlie Kirk was not just a “conservative commentator” as many are saying today on television news. He was one of the most influential propagandists of the MAGA movement, and his work directly fueled political radicalization and violence in this country.He wasn’t a passive participant in the rise of American extremism—he was an architect of it.Kirk and his organization, Turning Point USA, spent years mainstreaming hate, disinformation, and the demonization of political opponents. He played a central role in shifting American politics toward targeting vulnerable communities—particularly LGBTQ people, immigrants, and people of color—and in teaching a generation of young white men to see violence as acceptable, even patriotic. He gave them a worldview where political opponents were enemies, and enemies were disposable.Kirk relentlessly promoted the conspiracy theories about the 2020 election that radicalized countless Americans and culminated in the January 6 insurrection, when MAGA supporters brutally assaulted police officers for hours in an attempt to overturn democracy. He bragged on social media about bussing hundreds—if not thousands—of insurrectionists to Washington that day, before cowardly deleting the evidence. He was never held accountable for this role in one of the darkest days in American history.Kirk once publicly condemned the far-right leaders who pushed the “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory, and those who promoted it—like the proudly racist, anti-Jewish, and misogynistic Nick Fuentes—acknowledging its dangers. But when he realized its value as a political weapon, he embraced and amplified it. He mainstreamed a genocidal lie that has inspired mass shooters to kill Jews, immigrants, and people of color in cities across America.And it is telling that Kirk’s final words were dedicated to spreading hate against trans people—a community already living under the constant threat of violence. Even in his last moments, he chose not to call for peace or unity, but to weaponize lies that put more lives at risk.This is Charlie Kirk’s legacy: he created the conditions for political violence, profited from it, and normalized it.His assassination does not erase that record—it cements it. History must remember him not as a victim, but as one of the chief authors of the violent era we now face.The Cycle of RetaliationCharlie Kirk’s assassination will not end the politics of hate that he fueled. It will accelerate them. Authoritarian movements thrive on martyrs, and Kirk will be transformed into one of their most powerful symbols.Donald Trump and the MAGA movement are already seizing this moment to justify repression. Within hours, Trump blamed the “radical left” for Kirk’s killing and vowed to “find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity.” His allies in Congress and right-wing media are echoing the call, with some openly demanding executions and promising vengeance. This is the authoritarian playbook: take a figure who spent years stoking hatred and violence, and then, when they are struck down, recast them as a victim and a saint. That martyrdom becomes a recruiting tool, a justification for crackdowns, and a rallying cry for revenge.I want to emphasize that this has not been confirmed by the FBI as of the time of this writing, but the Wall Street Journal wrote that the rifle casings recovered with the suspected murder weapon carried markings tied to “transgender and antifascist ideology.” Whether that detail is real or distorted, it will be weaponized by Trump and his propagandists. They will use it as supposed proof that trans people, antifascists, and anyone who stands against fascism are violent threats to the nation. That narrative will justify both state repression and vigilante violence aimed squarely at vulnerable communities—and at those of us who have made a public stand against fascism.We should be clear-eyed about what comes next. Trump and his allies will frame Kirk’s assassination as proof that all of their enemies—liberals, progressives, antifascists, journalists, queer and trans people—are dangerous, violent, and illegitimate.They will use this moment to call for new powers, new crackdowns, and new campaigns of intimidation. And they will do so with the full weight of the executive branch behind them.This is not a passing crisis. It is the new normal. Authoritarian movements build power by escalating violence, then using the chaos as justification for more power. Kirk’s death will become another accelerant in this cycle of retaliation. The danger ahead is not hypothetical—it is imminent.What This Means for UsTrump and MAGA leaders are already promising vengeance, signaling they will use this moment to justify new crackdowns against their perceived enemies. That includes antifascists, LGBTQ communities, immigrants, journalists, and anyone who stands in their way.It is natural to feel fear or despair in a moment like this. But those emotions are not weaknesses—they are proof that you still care, that you still have a heart. What matters is what we do with them. Authoritarianism thrives when people give up. It withers when people organize.Those of us who carry privilege have a responsibility to use it. As a white, male Army veteran, I can safely engage with law enforcement in ways that others cannot. That privilege comes with an obligation: to defend communities that are more vulnerable, especially those who have been targeted again and again by the far right. Every person who has that kind of privilege must recognize their duty to act.We’ve seen examples of effective resistance earlier this week. In Chicago, community members, local officials, and everyday citizens came together to block attempts to bring in outside troops. They didn’t need weapons or violence to do it—they needed solidarity and persistence. That model shows us the power of collective action, even in the face of overwhelming threats.The choice before us is stark: sit back and allow repression to escalate, or organize locally to protect one another. Fear is not the end point—it is the starting point for courage. And courage is exactly what this moment demands.The Path Forward: Organize LocallyIf Kirk’s assassination signals anything, it’s that the United States is entering a period of even greater volatility and repression. The response from Trump and MAGA will be to weaponize fear and expand authoritarian power. Our response must be to strengthen communities, build resilience, and organize.The most accessible entry point is to start locally. Antifascist Book Clubs are one of the simplest and most powerful ways to begin.They bring people together to learn history, understand the authoritarian playbook, and build the trust that sustains real resistance. Veterans Fighting Fascism offers a free guide that walks you through how to start one in your neighborhood. These clubs are not just about reading—they are about forging the bonds that will carry us through hard times.Beyond that, communities can and must develop practical tools of defense and solidarity: rapid response networks to counter fascist organizing, coalitions to pressure local officials, and systems of mutual aid to protect the most vulnerable. Every act of local resistance undermines the authoritarian strategy of fear.Task Force Butler’s Community Response Guide and Street Teams Guide were designed to help people safely gather intelligence and evidence on fascist street gangs—groups that will only continue to grow as a threat. But the same skillset applies when government turns its power inward. The ability to document, verify, and expose excesses by masked government thugs is just as important as exposing neo-Nazis in the streets. These guides give communities the tools to do both, lawfully and effectively.This is how we prepare. This is how we fight back. Not as individuals standing alone, but as communities who refuse to be broken.Final ThoughtsHistory is clear: authoritarianism is not invincible. Fascist movements rise by exploiting fear and division, but they can be stopped when ordinary people refuse to surrender to hopelessness. The United States has faced moments of violence, repression, and crisis before. Each time, survival has depended not on powerful leaders, but on communities who organized to defend one another and to demand democracy live up to its promise.Charlie Kirk’s assassination will be remembered as a turning point. For Trump and the MAGA move

The Dangerous Myth of “Unpaid Authenticity” and the Smear Campaign Against Pro-Democracy CreatorsI want to talk about what it actually takes to do pro-democracy work in 2025—and why it’s so infuriating to see people smear those of us who are trying to survive while doing it.This is my full response to the WIRED article by Taylor Lorenz that falsely implies creators in the pro-democracy incubator program Chorus are paid operatives of the DNC. I break down why this framing is dangerous and dishonest—and share my personal story of nearly burning out of the movement entirely. This piece is a defense of creators doing vital work on the frontlines of the fight for democracy, and a call to fund the people taking real risks to stop fascism.If you value what I do, become a paid subscriber on Substack or share this episode with someone who can. Get full access to On Offense with Kris Goldsmith at onoffense.substack.com/subscribe

The Trump Administration is trying to strip women veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries of life-saving reproductive healthcare by banning abortion care and even counseling through the VA.Christian nationalist groups have already flooded the public docket with over 4,000 copy-paste spam comments to fake support for this cruel rule. But as of today, August 27, momentum is building: more than 16,000 comments have been submitted, and unique voices are starting to outweigh the spam.🗓 Deadline to submit your own comment: September 3, 2025💬 Submit here: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/VA-2025-VHA-0073-0002📄 Read my full update + see my own public comment: https://onoffense.substack.com/p/stop-trump-va-abortion-banYour voice matters. Regulators are legally required to respond to substantive comments. Don’t let spam drown out veterans—make your comment today. Get full access to On Offense with Kris Goldsmith at onoffense.substack.com/subscribe

Donald Trump has ordered National Guard troops from West Virginia into Washington, D.C.—and is urging other Republican governors to follow. By importing soldiers with no connection to the communities they’re policing, Trump is manufacturing the conditions for deadly conflict between troops and civilians.In this episode, I explain why this escalation is not about crime or safety—it’s about testing how far Trump can go in turning the Guard into a loyalist army. I break down the authoritarian playbook, the risks we face now, and what ordinary Americans can do to resist before it’s too late.🔗 Read the full article on Substack: https://onoffense.substack.com/p/trump-national-guard-dc🛑 Don’t give up on democracy before it’s gone—start an Antifascist Book Club, train with Task Force Butler’s guides, and demand your representatives oppose Trump’s power grab. Get full access to On Offense with Kris Goldsmith at onoffense.substack.com/subscribe

Federal Occupation in the Capital: A Prelude to Authoritarian AccelerationOn Monday, August 11, 2025, President Trump invoked Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department, deploy 800 National Guard troops, and place the force under the authority of Attorney General Pam Bondi. This is a historic and unprecedented assertion of executive power over the nation’s capital. His justification: a so-called “public safety emergency,” despite the fact that violent crime in D.C. has dropped sharply over the past year and now sits at a thirty-year low.The data tell a different story than Trump’s rhetoric (what else is new?). Homicides, armed robberies, and assaults are all down.I am a former DC and NYC resident — I spent the better part of a decade moving back and forth between these two cities to go to school in one and work in the other.I can tell you that yes, crime exists and city police are rarely as helpful as they probably could be, but these places aren’t anything close to the hellscapes that Fox News has convinced half the nation that they are. I miss both places dearly — and I most certainly would not if all the time that I spent there I was petrified of crime.The federal occupation stands in sharp contrast to reality on the ground — and to democratic norms of local governance. This is very obviously not about protecting public safety.It’s about using the power of the state as a political weapon, shifting the Overton Window towards normalizing armed presence patrols on American streets, and creating a distraction from the fact that over 1,000 FBI agents and personnel were diverted from actually fighting crime to work over-nights to redact Donald J. Trump’s name from the Epstein Files.On Offense with Kris Goldsmith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.We’ve already seen how this kind of authoritarian escalation can be met with effective, disciplined resistance. In Los Angeles, local communities faced the federalization of the California National Guard and even the deployment of Active Duty Marines. Activists, neighbors, and community leaders made the occupation untenable. By sustaining peaceful, organized rallies in support of their friends and neighbors — and by refusing to be provoked into violence — they forced the Trump Administration to withdraw most of those troops. That same discipline and solidarity will be required everywhere this playbook is deployed.Local leaders have condemned the move in D.C. as a political power grab. Mayor Muriel Bowser called it “unsettling,” while informing her residents that her hands are largely tied because of the unique nature of the district. Legal scholars and civil rights advocates warn this sets a dangerous precedent: normalizing federal control over local police, especially in majority-Black cities.Calls for D.C. statehood have grown louder in the wake of this action — and we must make this an uncompromising priority for any serious contender for every federal office moving forward.For those of us who have spent years tracking the rise of authoritarian movements, the message is clear. This isn’t a one-off. Trump is signaling that he will use federal power to target any city that doesn’t fall in line. D.C. is the test case, and this is almost certainly what we can expect to be used as an intimidation and voter suppression tactic during future elections.So how do we respond?1. Be deliberate. Don’t take the bait.Yes, this is escalation. Yes, it’s part of a fascist strategy to normalize the use of militarized force against civilians. And yes, the Overton Window is shifting in real time. But that does not mean you have to react on Trump’s timetable. If you let outrage dictate your next move, you’re playing his game. Step back. Assess. Make decisions based on strategy, not impulse.2. Don’t act alone.If protests erupt — and they will — do not go alone, even if you’re joining a crowd of thousands. Bring trusted people you’ve known for years. Divide labor. Share responsibilities. No one person can “save democracy” alone. Build that trust before the moment of crisis.That’s why Veterans Fighting Fascism created the Antifascist Book Club. Yes, it’s about reading to better understand fascism — but the real power is in the relationships you build meeting in person. That’s how you create the kind of team you can rely on when things get real. You can download the guide at veteransfightingfascism.org.3. Have an objective.Before you show up anywhere — whether it’s a protest, a school board meeting, or a city council session — know what you’re trying to achieve and how you plan to do it. Simply being there matters, but showing up with a specific goal and a clear plan makes your action more effective.Our Street Teams Guide and Community Response Guide at taskforcebutler.org walk you step-by-step through how to gather evidence of misconduct and turn it into accountability — whether the perpetrators are hate groups, rogue police units, or armed troops violating civil rights.The fight isn’t just in D.C.What’s happening in Washington today is a preview of what can happen anywhere. Federal occupation isn’t limited to the capital. The same tactics can and will be used against other cities — and against your community — if they think they can get away with it.Fascism grows locally. That’s where you have the most power to fight it.Don’t act on impulse. Gather your crew. Have a plan. And when you take action, make it count.Subscribe for more tips on going On Offense against authoritarianism.Thanks for reading On Offense with Kris Goldsmith! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to On Offense with Kris Goldsmith at onoffense.substack.com/subscribe

Fascist gangs are grooming American kids—and most parents don’t even know it’s happening.On this episode of On Offense, I joined Reed Galen of Homefront to talk about the coordinated grooming of American boys by fascist gangs like Patriot Front. This conversation builds on my July 4 piece, The U-Haul Nazis Are Grooming Kids, and goes deeper into how these groups operate—and how to stop them.We cover:-How white supremacists exploit loneliness and isolation to recruit kids-Why social platforms are letting it happen-What the government and corporations aren’t doing-How veterans and community organizers can disrupt these pipelines-Concrete actions parents and educators can take todayThis isn’t just commentary—it’s a warning, a strategy session, and a call to action. Listen in, and then share it with someone who needs to hear it.Read the full companion piece: https://onoffense.substack.com/p/the-u-haul-nazis-are-grooming-kids Get full access to On Offense with Kris Goldsmith at onoffense.substack.com/subscribe

Before we get into this post: I know I’ve been quieter than usual lately. Life as a new father has been the greatest joy of my life — but combine that with a stubborn summer cold, and I’ve been knocked flat for the better part of a week. Thanks for bearing with me.But I’m back — and I’m bringing you a timely, in-depth conversation with journalist Sasha Ingber, who has reported on me and my work over the years, founder of HUMINT and host of the International Spy Museum’s Spycast. Over the years, Sasha has reported on my investigations into disinformation, foreign influence operations, and domestic extremism. She’s covered Russian troll farms targeting veterans, the infiltration of college campuses by far-right extremists, and the toxic overlap between propaganda and violence in her reporting on my work.On Offense with Kris Goldsmith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Yesterday, nearly 300 people joined us live on Substack for an hour-long discussion about what this summer holds for America. (Note: I had some major WiFi issues during the first fifteen minutes, and I’m grateful to everyone who stuck it out live. For this edited version, I’ve cleaned up and trimmed the recording to remove all of yesterday’s hang-ups. You’ll see I’m off-screen for the first few minutes, but my video feed kicks back in for the rest.)If you’ve been paying attention, you know the Trump Administration’s second term is accelerating toward full-blown authoritarianism — ICE raids, protest crackdowns, the targeting of journalists. I expect that there will soon be the use of red-state National Guard troops in blue cities. In this conversation, Sasha and I are talking about the context of Trump deploying infantry Marines — as opposed to something like military police — into Los Angeles. We’re talking about vigilantes posing as federal agents. And we’re talking about the near-total collapse of public trust in who’s actually enforcing the law.I’ve heard from dozens, if not hundreds of service members and recent veterans since Trump’s reelection — including many who are terrified that some troops don’t share the same understanding of the oath to the Constitution. Those on active duty or at risk of getting called up in the Guard or Reserves are worried about being asked to follow unlawful orders. And they’re worried about what happens when the president blurs the lines between federal power and partisan violence.In our conversation, Sasha and I cover:* Why protests have quieted (for now) — and why that’s likely to change fast* The legal theory that may allow Trump to deploy out-of-state National Guard forces into liberal cities* What happens when we can't distinguish ICE agents from unlawful militias* The eerie calm among far-right extremist groups, and why they’re celebrating* The real risks of untrained federal troops escalating protest zones into war zones* Why spontaneous violence is more likely now than ever before — and how to stay safe if you take to the streets* What everyday people can do to prepare, protest, and protect one anotherI don’t say any of this to scare you. I say it because I want you to be ready.Our democracy isn’t going to be saved by institutions alone. It’s going to be saved by everyday people who organize in their own communities — again, I offer you our Antifascist Book Club's instruction manual to get started — so you can connect with people who read together, build trust, look out for each other, and act when it counts.That’s why I launched On Offense. That’s why I founded Task Force Butler Institute and Veterans Fighting Fascism. And that’s why I’ll keep using every platform I can — including this one — to help Americans understand what’s happening and how we can fight back.This conversation with Sasha is a critical one. Watch it. Share it. And if you haven’t already, make sure you’re subscribed to both of our publications.About Sasha Ingber & HUMINT:Sasha Ingber is the founder of HUMINT, a Substack that tells human stories at the intersection of intelligence, national security, and power. She’s also the host of the International Spy Museum’s SpyCast. Sasha has reported for NPR, National Geographic, Smithsonian, and Scripps News, where she spent 4.5 years as the national security correspondent covering everything from Chinese influence ops to Russia’s shadow nuclear forces. Follow her work — you won’t regret it.Thanks for reading On Offense with Kris Goldsmith! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to On Offense with Kris Goldsmith at onoffense.substack.com/subscribe

Just two weeks before my daughter is due to be born, a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, was bombed with a weapon of war—a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, or VBIED. This kind of attack is more commonly seen in active warzones like Iraq and Afghanistan—not against reproductive care providers in the United States.The bombing killed the attacker and injured four others. The FBI has deemed it a terrorist act. The suspect, Guy Edward Bartkus, reportedly left behind a manifesto and attempted to livestream the attack. Authorities believe he was motivated by anti-natalist ideology—the belief that reproduction itself is unethical and that no one should have children.This act did not occur in a vacuum. It represents an escalation in a broader pattern of political violence against reproductive healthcare providers—an escalation being nurtured by the current presidential administration.In January 2025, just four months before this bombing, President Donald Trump issued pardons for 23 individuals convicted under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act). This law, enacted in 1994, criminalizes the use of threats, physical obstruction, and violence to prevent people from obtaining or providing reproductive health services. That includes not only abortion, but also miscarriage management, contraception, and in-vitro fertilization (IVF).On Offense with Kris Goldsmith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Among those pardoned was Lauren Handy, convicted for organizing a violent blockade of a D.C. clinic. When police searched her home, they found five fetal remains. Despite this, Trump and his allies—including Senator Josh Hawley—framed these individuals not as criminals, but as victims and heroes.The pardons were issued the day before the March for Life rally, the largest anti-abortion demonstration in the United States. They served as an unmistakable political message: violence carried out in service of religious fundamentalism will not be punished. It will be rewarded.In the months since, we’ve witnessed a surge of activity from far-right groups like Operation Save America, a rebranded version of Operation Rescue, known for its history of violent tactics. These groups are no longer operating on the fringes. They are successfully lobbying for legislation that defines abortion as homicide and extends personhood rights to fertilized eggs—policies that could effectively outlaw IVF and many forms of birth control.NPR reporting confirms that these activists are working to pressure local officials using a doctrine rooted in Christian Reconstructionism. They cite The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates, a book that argues local elected officials should defy federal law when it conflicts with their interpretation of Christian scripture. This movement is not merely religious—it is political, and explicitly seeks to replace constitutional governance with a theocratic system in which reproductive medicine becomes a crime.As a veteran who has spent years tracking extremism, I recognize these tactics. But now, they’re not just familiar—they’re aimed at my family. But this is no longer academic for me. It’s deeply personal.My wife and I turned to IVF after genetic testing revealed a 25% chance that a child conceived naturally would suffer from a severe or fatal inherited disorder. IVF, along with pre-implantation genetic testing, allowed us to select a healthy embryo and give our daughter the best possible start to life.Now, just weeks from meeting her, I’m faced with the reality that the same clinics and providers who helped us are being targeted by terrorists—and our president is offering clemency to those who would do them harm.We also have healthy embryos frozen—at least one future child, we hope. But in today’s climate, they feel like vulnerable targets. They are subject not only to the biological odds of implantation, but also to the political volatility that makes it increasingly dangerous to access the care we need.Financial privilege helped make IVF possible for us. But there is no amount of money that can guarantee safety when extremists are permitted to act with impunity. The emotional toll is profound. Starting a family should not come with the risk of being targeted by domestic terrorists.We are being attacked from two ideological directions. On one end are anti-natalists like Bartkus, who believe no one should have children. On the other are far-right pronatalists who claim only certain families—those that conform to their religious dogma—deserve to exist. Both groups use violence. Both seek to eliminate reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy—by force if necessary. And both thrive in a climate of political encouragement and legal indifference.IVF is not a niche issue. For many military and veteran families, it’s essential. Wounds sustained in combat, exposure to toxins, and psychological trauma often result in infertility. For us, IVF is not optional—it is the only way to have biological children.And yet, the VA still does not fully cover IVF. Our government asks us to serve, and then fails to support us when we try to build the families we sacrificed to protect. Worse, it now shelters those who would destroy the very clinics we depend on.My daughter is due May 31. If we want to give her a sibling, we’ll need to return to a fertility clinic. But now, every visit will carry the shadow of political violence. Every check-in will raise the question: will we be safe today?This is not speculative. This is our current reality. The growing alliance between government power and religious extremism is a threat to pluralism, to science, to safety—and to families like mine.So what do we do now?We need to organize. We need to protect one another. We need to build local infrastructure for collective defense.That’s where the Antifascist Book Club comes in. It’s more than a reading group—it’s a place to gather, strategize, and act. Whether it’s escorting patients at clinics, advocating for local protections, or preparing our communities for the challenges ahead, we must start now.Visit our guide to starting an Antifascist Book Club: This fight is not just about reproductive rights. It is about democracy. It is about whether science will be respected, whether violence will be rewarded, and whether families like mine can live without fear.We cannot remain silent. We cannot wait for the next attack. The time to act is now.Thanks for reading On Offense with Kris Goldsmith! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to On Offense with Kris Goldsmith at onoffense.substack.com/subscribe

A Moment of ErasureOn May 1, President Donald Trump announced his intent to rename Veterans Day. In a late-night Truth Social post, he declared that the federal holiday would become “Victory Day for World War I,” claiming the change is needed because, in his words, “we don’t have leaders anymore that know how to celebrate our victories.”This is not just a rebranding. It’s a calculated erasure of history—and of the millions of veterans whose service came after World War I. Veterans of Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and countless other operations are being written out of our national story.Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, established in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I. It was broadened in the 1950s to honor all who served, and made a federal holiday in 1968. For generations, November 11 has stood as a day of solemn gratitude for every veteran. Now, that legacy is under threat.This isn’t just disrespect. It’s historical revisionism—an authoritarian move to rewrite the past to serve the ego of those in power.So we’re taking the fight to Washington.The June 6 Rally: Unite for Veterans, Unite for AmericaOn D-Day’s 81st anniversary, thousands of veterans, military families, union allies, and supporters will gather on the National Mall for the Unite for Veterans, Unite for America rally. This peaceful protest, inspired by the Bonus Army of 1932, is grounded in the belief that veterans never stop fighting for one another.We were already organizing before Trump’s announcement. On April 18, Military.com reported on our plans to rally in defense of the VA, federal service, and democratic values. Whether or not this news triggered Trump’s response, the timing is hard to ignore.If the administration hoped to distract or divide us, it failed. It only made our message more urgent.Dropkick Murphys to HeadlineWe’re proud to announce that Dropkick Murphys will perform a free, full electric set at the June 6 rally. Known for their working-class anthems and unwavering support for veterans and unions, the band will debut a brand-new protest song written specifically for this event.This isn’t just a concert—it’s a call to action. And it will be loud.From punk clubs to picket lines, Dropkick Murphys have always stood with the people. On June 6, they’re standing with us.Schedule and DetailsThe rally begins at 2:00 PM and runs until 6:00 PM, with speakers including union leaders, veterans impacted by federal cuts, and public figures who have used their platforms to fight for our community.Dropkick Murphys will a 30-minute set in the middle of the rally.Interactive stations will offer ways to take civic action, record personal testimonies, and connect with fellow attendees. ADA-accessible seating, wellness tents, and cooling stations will be available. Come prepared, and come early.View the full schedule and register for updates at: www.unite4veterans.orgWhat’s at StakeTrump’s proposal to rename Veterans Day is more than symbolic. It reflects a broader pattern of disdain for those who served in conflicts he does not romanticize. This is the same man who reportedly called veterans “suckers” and “losers.” Now he’s attempting to codify that contempt into national tradition.Vietnam veterans, post-9/11 veterans, and others have already endured decades of underfunded care, stigma, and broken promises. To now see our service erased from the nation’s highest day of recognition is an insult that demands a response.Be ThereThis rally is for all of us—for every veteran who carried a rifle or a radio, for every spouse and caregiver who served in silence, for every federal employee who continued their service in civilian clothes. It’s for the generations who were promised they would not be forgotten.If you can take the day off, take it now. Book your train. Catch your flight. Organize your crew.June 6. Washington Monument. Dropkick Murphys. Veterans fighting back.We’ll see you on the Mall.Register and learn more at Unite4Veterans.org → Get full access to On Offense with Kris Goldsmith at onoffense.substack.com/subscribe

Yesterday, I had the chance to do something new: a Substack Live event with my friend Reed Galen from The Home Front. Thanks to Substack, the video recording is now available, and I'm excited to share it with you here.We talk about the urgent need to go on offense against the rising tide of authoritarianism in America. Topics we dig into include:How veterans (through Task Force Butler and Veterans Fighting Fascism) and civilians (through Join the Union) can work together to rebuild pro-democracy communitiesWhy hyperlocal organizing—at the school board, county commissioner, and neighborhood coffee shop level—is key to fighting fascismHow reviving "third places" like book clubs, union halls, and community spaces can rebuild civic trustHow to channel anger and grief into productive, hopeful action without losing empathyThis is a raw, honest conversation about where we are, what’s at stake, and how we can start making a difference right where we live.📚 Resources mentioned:* Start an Antifascist Book Club* Join the Union* Find Out PodcastThanks for being part of this movement. On offense is the only way forward.— KrisP.S. Thank you DEO, Deedles, Cat F, Ajhview, Michelle25, and many others for tuning into my live video with Reed Galen! Join me for my next live video in the app. Get full access to On Offense with Kris Goldsmith at onoffense.substack.com/subscribe

I know one of the guys who was kicked out of the Pentagon last week.His name is Dan Caldwell, and for more than a decade, he’s been one of Pete Hegseth’s most trusted advisors. I’ve known Dan for about that long too. We’ve disagreed—vehemently—on some of the most important questions facing the veteran community. That includes the future of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the privatization agenda pushed by his former employer, Concerned Veterans for America (CVA). But despite our fundamental ideological differences, I’ve always found Dan to be a principled person, and someone who treats others with honesty and respect.That’s why I was genuinely shocked to hear that he—and a small group of other longtime Hegseth allies—were marched out of the Pentagon by security, accused of leaking sensitive national security information. The media firestorm that’s followed their departure has revealed something much bigger than just an internal HR dispute. It’s exposed the cracks inside a chaotic and deeply factionalized Defense Department, where power struggles are escalating and national security is taking a backseat to petty rivalries, ideological purges, and influence games involving Elon Musk.These are not routine personnel shuffles. They represent a breakdown in the basic functioning of the civilian leadership of the U.S. military. When experienced advisors are removed under murky circumstances, when investigations are launched and concluded without transparency or due process, and when the media narrative is driven by anonymous leaks rather than public accountability, the integrity of the Pentagon is put at risk.Let’s be clear: something is deeply wrong at the Pentagon.These aren’t routine personnel shuffles—they’re ideological purges with national security consequences.A Veteran With Principles—Even If We Don’t AgreeDespite our fundamental ideological differences, I’ve always found Dan to be a principled person.Dan Caldwell is a Marine Corps veteran who deployed to Iraq. After his service, he worked on Capitol Hill, became a prominent policy staffer at CVA, and later advised Defense Priorities, a think tank that advocates for restraint in U.S. foreign policy. I first got to know him while I was a student veteran trying to pass legislation to expand education and healthcare access. He was, at the time, part of the government affairs team for CVA.My opposition to CVA’s mission—especially its efforts to privatize the VA—is no secret. I’ve testified against it. I’ve written about it. I’ve protested it. But unlike some of the figures who cycled through that organization, Dan always struck me as someone motivated by principle. His support for veterans’ choice wasn’t just a libertarian reflex—it came from a deep distrust in large, inefficient institutions, a belief system I don’t share but at least respect for its internal logic.Over the years, I saw how he remained steady in his beliefs while the political winds shifted around him. He could have chased a Fox News career. He could have reinvented himself as a political consultant. But he didn’t. Dan Caldwell stayed focused on policy, on ideas, and on his belief in what was best for the country—even when I strongly disagreed with his conclusions.And unlike Pete Hegseth—who, in my view, used CVA as a stepping stone to a Fox News contract and a political career—Dan stayed in the weeds. He did the hard policy work. He tried to build bridges across political divides. That counts for something.So when I heard that he’d been fired from the Pentagon and accused of leaking classified information, my first reaction was disbelief. And the more we’ve learned since, the more it looks like this wasn’t about national security at all—it was about power. It was about control. And it was about silencing dissent.On Offense with Kris Goldsmith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.The Timeline of a PurgeCaldwell was fired alongside Darin Selnick (Hegseth’s deputy chief of staff) and Colin Carroll (chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg). All three had long histories with Hegseth and had helped shape the Trump administration’s veterans and military policy for over a decade. They were known quantities, deeply trusted by Hegseth, and aligned with his original political trajectory.The public rationale for their removal was an investigation into leaks—reportedly involving U.S. military plans for the Panama Canal, a second carrier heading to the Red Sea, and a proposed intelligence pause related to Ukraine. Yet as reporting from Politico, Reuters, AP, and Responsible Statecraft has made clear, these allegations remain entirely unsubstantiated. The Pentagon never even conducted polygraph tests. > “None of the three men have been told what they were specifically being investigated for.”None of the three men have been told what they were specifically being investigated for.In a joint statement, Caldwell, Selnick, and Carroll said:“We are incredibly disappointed by the manner in which our service at the Department of Defense ended. Unnamed Pentagon officials have slandered our character with baseless attacks on our way out the door... At this time, we still have not been told what exactly we were investigated for, if there is still an active investigation, or if there was even a real investigation of 'leaks' to begin with.” SourceMeanwhile, the individual most responsible for initiating the investigation—Joe Kasper, Hegseth’s chief of staff—is also reportedly on his way out after internal disputes and mounting criticism from within the building. According to Politico, there were clear signs of a power struggle, with one defense official stating: “Joe didn’t like those guys... it was a personality clash.”Musk, Yemen, and the Signal ChatsThe internal warfare at the Pentagon might have stayed hidden if it weren’t for what came next: the Signal chat leaks.First came The Atlantic's bombshell revelation that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz had included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in an unclassified Signal group where top officials, including Hegseth, were discussing U.S. airstrikes in Yemen in real time. That same thread named Dan Caldwell as the go-to staffer for coordinating with the National Security Council—hardly the behavior of someone trying to leak classified info to the press.Then The New York Times revealed that Hegseth shared additional operational details about Yemen in a separate Signal chat that included his wife and brother. These revelations have triggered an inspector general investigation into whether the Defense Secretary himself violated the Federal Records Act and endangered national security.That these messages were leaked is bad enough. That they were sent in unsecure chats including people with no clearance—like Hegseth’s spouse and lawyer—is a catastrophic breach. National security protocols exist for a reason. And the fact that someone like Caldwell is being scapegoated while these breaches are brushed aside is deeply telling.They’re scapegoating restraint advocates while ignoring actual breaches by the Secretary of Defense himself.And yet it was Caldwell—a known restraint advocate who had publicly called the Iraq War a "monstrous crime"—who got escorted out of the building last week.A Fight Over War and PeaceThis isn’t just about office politics. What we’re witnessing is an internal war over the future of American foreign policy.Caldwell has long opposed the "forever wars" and costly interventions. He was skeptical of U.S. military aid to Ukraine (another thing he and I have tremendous disagreements about) and warned against confrontation with Iran and China. He is part of a camp of "realists" in the GOP who believe in restraining U.S. military power and focusing on diplomacy.That has put him in direct conflict with the more hawkish neoconservative faction within Trump’s coalition. Responsible Statecraft reported that other restraint-oriented voices—like Elbridge Colby and Daniel Davis—have also been marginalized or attacked in recent months. And it’s worth noting that Elon Musk, whose influence over national security decisions has grown dramatically, stands to benefit from having those realists purged.So while some pundits frame this as just another round of Trumpworld infighting, it may actually be something more dangerous: an effort to silence dissenting voices and centralize influence over the Pentagon in the hands of Musk, Hegseth, and a loyalist inner circle.The end result of this ideological battle could reshape the U.S. military’s posture for years to come. And if the factional victors are more interested in loyalty than competence, in performative masculinity over diplomacy, and in billionaire influence over constitutional process, the consequences will be dire—not just for the troops, but for the country and the world.Why This Should Alarm YouEven if you disagree with Dan Caldwell’s views, you should be alarmed by what’s happening.We’re watching a Defense Department abandon norms, purge experienced public servants, and allow personal vendettas to dictate national security decision-making. Civilian control of the military is being eroded in favor of personal loyalty. Strategic restraint is being cast as subversion.The most powerful military on Earth is being run like a group chat drama.And it’s clear that personal loyalty, not public service, is now the dominant currency inside the Pentagon.These developments don’t exist in isolation. They follow the firing of top uniformed leaders like the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the head of U.S. Cyber Command, and the U.S. military representative to NATO. They reflect a coordinated effort to centralize power, weaken oversight, and undermine the chain of command. And they portend a future where war and peace are decided not by deliberation, but by ego, ideology, and signal threads.I never thought I’d be writing

Veteran journalist Teddy Wilson joins Kris Goldsmith to expose how the Trump administration is dismantling domestic terrorism prevention—and what it means for the rise of fascism in America. Veterans, hate groups, the FBI, and grassroots resistance all collide in this urgent convo.🔗 Subscribe to Radical Reports: https://www.radicalreports.org📚 Start an Antifascist Book Club: https://veteransfightingfascism.org/book-club📰 Read more: https://onoffense.substack.com🎧 Subscribe for future episodes: On Offense: Conversations with Kris Goldsmith Get full access to On Offense with Kris Goldsmith at onoffense.substack.com/subscribe

If you’ve been keeping up with my previous posts—"Organize Locally: How Antifascist Book Clubs Can Build Power" and "I Want You! To Start an Antifascist Book Club"—you already know why antifascist book clubs are so important right now. Since those posts went live, the response has been incredible—thousands of new readers, countless messages, and a lot of people asking the same question:How do I actually start an antifascist book club?So, let’s talk about it. This post is your guide to getting started. It's about building a local community that can resist authoritarianism and advance democratic values. And to make that a bit easier, we’ve added a ton of new resources on the Veterans Fighting Fascism website. I’ll be linking to them throughout this post.On Offense with Kris Goldsmith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Start with a Purpose, Not Just a Reading ListLet’s get one thing straight: the goal isn’t to just sit around and talk about books. The goal is to transform that knowledge into action. When you’re setting up your book club, think about what you actually want to accomplish. Is your primary focus political education, mobilizing for direct action, or building coalitions with other groups in your area?Having a clear purpose doesn’t just keep meetings from turning into rambling discussions—it also gives people a reason to show up and keep showing up.Transforming knowledge into action can mean a lot of things. Maybe it’s organizing petition drives, showing up to town hall meetings, or starting community watch programs to monitor local extremist activities. Or it could mean using what you’ve learned about historical resistance movements to inspire strategies for confronting authoritarian tactics today—like challenging disinformation campaigns at school board meetings, organizing against voter suppression efforts, or pushing back on local policies that target marginalized communities. The point is to take what you learn and find ways to apply it directly to the issues facing your neighborhood.If you need help defining your mission, check out the How to Start an Antifascist Book Club guide on the VFF website.It’s All About the Core GroupYou don’t need a huge group to get started. A handful of dedicated people is more than enough to build something powerful. But it’s important to make sure everyone’s on the same page about what you’re trying to do.Forming a diverse group of locals can make your club a lot stronger. Each person will have their own priorities and insights based on their lifestyle and identity. For example, parents with children of different ages are more likely to know what’s happening at local schools and whether your club should be paying attention to school board meetings. Older folks in assisted living might have concerns about the rumors and disinformation that’s impacting their peers. Or consider veterans in your community—they might be tuned in to local VA policies or veterans’ organizations, which can open doors for coalition-building.And don’t forget about your local librarians—they’re often the unsung heroes of community organizing. Whether it’s helping you secure space for meetings, recommending books for your reading list, or even pointing you to local archives and research resources, librarians can be invaluable allies in getting your core group started.The Leader Guides on the VFF website are intended to make your life as a Club Leader a lot easier. They’ve got agendas, key discussion questions, and even action steps to keep things on track.Choose Your Readings Like It Matters—Because It DoesThe books you choose aren’t just there to fill time—they’re shaping your group’s understanding of the threats we face and how to counter them. That’s why we encourage groups to start with the first six recommendations from the Antifascist Book Club Reading List and read them in order. These books cover the historical roots of authoritarianism, strategies for resistance, and practical lessons for defending democracy in the age of Trump. They’re designed to give your club a strong foundation—not just for discussing these threats, but for organizing against them effectively.The Leader Guides are there to help you through these first readings. They include detailed agendas, key discussion questions, and actionable steps to turn what you’ve read into real-world strategies. We’re still working on publishing more guides, but what’s available now is more than enough to get your club started on solid ground.And once you’ve made it through those first six readings, that’s when things get interesting. At that point, your club should start operating like a mini democracy—discussing and voting on what to read next based on the interests and priorities of your members. This not only keeps people engaged but also ensures that your club continues to reflect the needs and concerns of your community.The updated Antifascist Book Club Reading List is packed with recommendations that cover everything from historical fascism to modern authoritarianism.Meetings That MatterYour meetings need to do more than just discuss books—they need to turn those discussions into action. This means creating space to talk about what’s happening in your local community and figuring out concrete steps your club can take to respond. Whether that’s organizing a teach-in about new voter suppression laws in your state, showing up to protest at city council meetings, or partnering with local organizations to support tenants’ rights, the goal is to make sure your club isn’t just learning but doing.And while it’s great to tackle national issues, don’t underestimate the impact of focusing locally. Authoritarianism doesn’t just show up in Washington—it creeps in through local policies, school boards, and county commissions. Keeping the focus local helps your club build real power and develop leaders who understand the unique challenges facing your community.The Leader Guides break down how to structure meetings for maximum impact.It’s Not Just About Reading—It’s About DoingThe real power of these clubs isn’t just in what they can do outside the room—it’s also in how they help people develop leadership skills they might not even know they have. As you plan and run meetings, you’ll start to see certain members naturally step up—maybe someone who was quiet at first becomes a reliable facilitator, or someone else turns out to be great at logistics and organizing events.Often, people recognize leadership traits in someone long before that person sees it in themselves. Your club can play a huge role in helping folks come out of their shell and realize their potential. Encouraging new leaders isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about making sure your club can keep growing and taking on bigger projects. When people see their contributions being valued, they’re more likely to stay engaged and take on more responsibilities.This leadership development doesn’t just benefit your club—it strengthens the broader antifascist movement. Leaders who cut their teeth running book club meetings can go on to organize protests, manage campaigns, or even run for local office. This is how we build a pipeline of leaders who understand both the theory and practice of fighting authoritarianism.This leadership development aspect is also where you’ll see that these clubs aren’t just about resisting authoritarianism—they’re about going on offense. By developing a new generation of leaders who are ready to take initiative, you’re forcing the fascists to respond to us, not the other way around.Thanks for reading On Offense with Kris Goldsmith! This post is public so feel free to share it.Stay Safe and Stay SmartOrganizing against authoritarianism comes with risks. The VFF guide has a whole section on operational security that’s worth reading.First things first: protect your members’ privacy. This means using encrypted messaging apps like Signal for communications and being cautious about what information gets shared online. Avoid using social media to discuss sensitive details about your club’s plans or members.It’s also a good idea to designate a security officer within your group—someone responsible for staying up to date on best practices for both digital and physical security. This could involve everything from setting up secure email options like ProtonMail to teaching club members how to spot surveillance or handle encounters with law enforcement.And don’t overlook physical security at your meetings. If you’re gathering in person, consider venues that offer a degree of privacy, like a library meeting room that requires a sign-in or a community center where you can control who enters.The goal isn’t to create paranoia—it’s to make sure that everyone feels safe participating. When people feel protected, they’re more likely to stay engaged and contribute to the club’s efforts.Final Thoughts: This Is Just the BeginningIf you’ve made it this far, you’re clearly serious about starting an Antifascist Book Club—and that’s a powerful first step. Now it’s time to put that energy into action.Here are three things you can do right now to get started:* Visit the How to Start an Antifascist Book Club guide for step-by-step instructions and resources to help you launch your club.* Check out the Leader Guides to help you plan your first few meetings and keep discussions focused and productive.* Share this post with at least one person who you think might be interested in joining or starting their own club. Building a movement starts with one-on-one conversations.So if you’re serious about making a difference, don’t wait. Get your core group together, set some clear goals, and start building power where you live.We've got some more exciting updates coming for the Antifascist Book Club that we'll be rolling out in the coming months. A lot of what we're dealing with here can be heavy. With that in mind,