Ex-Fox News Regular Suggests Trump's US Is Beginning to Mirror North Korea
A CNN panel discussion took a dramatic turn over the weekend as political commentator S.E. Cupp drew sharp criticism for claiming the United States is beginning to resemble one of the world’s most oppressive regimes under President Donald J. Trump.
Appearing on CNN’s “Table for Five,” Cupp argued that recent developments in the U.S. reflect what she described as “North Korea coded stuff,” referencing the authoritarian state of North Korea. Her remarks quickly escalated into a broader critique of the administration, prompting pushback from fellow panelists.
“We should not want a militarized United States, with our streets militarized, our voting militarized, our airports militarized. I am so concerned about the North Korea coded stuff that is going on right now,” Cupp said.
“From [Attorney General] Pam Bondi unfurling a banner with Trump’s face on it on the DOJ [Department of Justice] building to Trump putting his signature on our currency and his name on the Kennedy Center, to inviting only friendly media outlets who are going to say exactly what you want in Pentagon briefings. I mean, it goes on and on and on.”
“When did we want to become North Korea? This should be unnerving, disturbing to everyone. This is not partisan. This is scary stuff,” she added.
Cupp continued her remarks by warning of what she described as a gradual erosion of norms, claiming Americans could soon face an intimidating public presence of armed authorities.
“So it can feel like a slow creep, and MAGA will justify it using Trump’s lie about the election. But look around. Look around at your country, people. Is this what you want? You want to walk down the street and see, you know, rifles, guys with guns patrolling because for no reason at all, just to intimidate you? Is that what you want? You want to walk around and see the president’s face on the Department of Justice, which is a separate but co-equal branch of government? It’s bananas.”
Critics were quick to note factual inaccuracies in her claims, including her characterization of the Department of Justice, which operates under the executive branch. They also pointed out that comparisons between the United States and North Korea—a regime widely known for its totalitarian control, lack of free elections, and suppression of basic freedoms—are far removed from reality.
Former New York City Councilman Joe Borelli pushed back during the segment, calling the comparison excessive.
“Let’s just get back down to earth. You know, the North Korea comparison is a little extreme considering–,” he said before being cut off by Cupp, who insisted, “No, it’s not.”
The segment followed a broader discussion about whether Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents might be deployed to polling locations during upcoming midterm elections—a claim that has not been substantiated by the administration.
Addressing the issue directly, White House border czar Tom Homan dismissed the suggestion during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
“Has President Trump asked ICE to start making any sort of plans to go to polling sites during the midterms?” host Jake Tapper asked.
“I’ve had no discussions about that with President Trump or [Department of Homeland Security] Secretary Markwayne Mullin,” Homan said. “Has not came up in any conversation.”
Supporters of the administration argue that such rhetoric reflects a growing pattern of alarmism from media figures, particularly when discussing policies centered on border security, law enforcement, and national sovereignty. They contend that equating the United States with authoritarian regimes diminishes the seriousness of real oppression abroad while misrepresenting efforts to restore order and enforce the law at home.
As political tensions rise ahead of the midterms, exchanges like this highlight the widening divide in how Americans interpret the direction of the country—and the increasingly heated language shaping that debate.