Brooks describes Trump’s Texas redistricting order as harmful to democracy.

Brooks on Trump’s Influence in Texas Rezoning

David Brooks, a columnist for the New York Times, suggested that President Trump metaphorically ordered Texas Governor Greg Abbott to employ “mustard gas” tactics against American democracy through a new congressional zoning effort.

Under pressure from the Trump administration, Texas Republicans are pushing for congressional maps that could create up to five districts favorable to the GOP, igniting significant backlash. In response, Texas Democrats have fled the state to a more Democratic-friendly location to break the quorum and prevent voting.

During a recent appearance on “PBS Newshour,” Brooks was prompted to consider whether the current political landscape has devolved into an ongoing power struggle between the parties. He posed an ethical scenario, likening the situation to World War I, where German forces used mustard gas against civilians. He argued that this is the modern equivalent in Texas under Trump’s orders, evoking strong reactions that mandate a fightback.

Brooks criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for also engaging in political maneuvers that he believes could “destroy our democracy.” He stated, “Gavin Newsom is jumping into this with both feet, and I have the moral stain that comes with anyone doing this.” His point centers around the principle that voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around.

He called those who resist gerrymandering “democratic defenders” and expressed concern over the tendency for both sides to engage in such practices, branding it as a “race to the bottom.”

Recently, Newsom and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced plans for a special election in California this November, designed to allow voters to establish their own constituency changes based on previous voting measures.

Newsom framed his initiative as a counter to Texas’s reveals and emphasized its transparency, predicting it may lead to an increase of five congressional seats for Democrats. This plan would let Democrats sidestep the state’s independent committee on districts to implement a new congressional map ahead of the 2026 elections.

Brooks acknowledged the firestorm initiated by Trump but pointed out that this issue is not entirely equivalent on both sides. He firmly believes that the true victims are the voters, asserting that such district changes essentially disenfranchise them. He warned of a deteriorating faith in the electoral system, where voters in Texas, California, or anywhere else could find themselves systematically sidelined.