TL;DR
A WIRED piece by David Gilbert argues that the traditional street‑level role of far‑right groups such as the Proud Boys has diminished as federal enforcement actions — including ICE agents reportedly shooting US citizens — have taken center stage. The article contrasts the group’s visible support for Trump during protests with a shifting landscape in which state agencies exercise more direct coercive power.
What happened
David Gilbert’s article traces a change in the dynamics between the far right and the Trump political orbit. The Proud Boys, who were a persistent presence at protests during Trump’s first term — from Covid‑era rallies to school board meetings and confrontations with Black Lives Matter demonstrations — are portrayed as less essential to advancing some far‑right objectives. Gilbert’s central claim is that the emergence of aggressive federal enforcement, described in the piece as including ICE agents shooting US citizens, has reduced the practical need for militias and street crews to provide muscle or intimidation. The article is presented within WIRED’s Inner Loop newsletter and comes from a reporter who covers disinformation and online extremism; it positions the shift in coercive tactics as a significant change in how far‑right aims are being pursued inside the United States.
Why it matters
- A shift from private militias to empowered federal agents alters who exercises force in domestic political conflicts.
- Reduced reliance on groups like the Proud Boys may change how far‑right movements organize and seek influence.
- Greater use of federal enforcement raises questions about oversight, accountability and civil‑liberties implications.
- Changes in tactics can reshape voter perceptions and the role of extralegal actors in electoral politics.
Key facts
- Article author: David Gilbert, a WIRED reporter who covers disinformation and online extremism.
- Publication date: January 14, 2026.
- The piece argues the Proud Boys were a consistent on‑the‑ground presence during Trump’s first term, including at Covid‑era protests, school board meetings, and confrontations with Black Lives Matter.
- The article contends that the need for militias and extremist street groups has "evaporated" as federal enforcement actions — including ICE agents shooting US citizens — have become more prominent.
- The story appears in WIRED’s Inner Loop newsletter, which is subscriber‑gated on the site.
- Related reporting on the site notes claims that militias expected a central role in proposed mass deportation plans, but instead law enforcement agencies were militarized.
What to watch next
- Public activity and recruitment patterns among Proud Boys and similar groups — not confirmed in the source.
- Federal enforcement tactics by ICE and other agencies, and any official investigations or oversight actions in response to use‑of‑force incidents.
- Legal cases, congressional inquiries, or policy changes that address the balance between federal law enforcement power and civil‑liberties protections — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Proud Boys: A far‑right group known for street‑level activism and confrontations at political events; described here as having supported Trump during his first term.
- ICE: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement and related investigations.
- Militia: A private, often armed group organized outside formal military or law‑enforcement structures; militias sometimes engage in paramilitary activities.
- Federal law enforcement militarization: The process by which government police or enforcement agencies adopt military‑style equipment, tactics, or organizational structures.
Reader FAQ
What is the article’s main claim?
The author argues that aggressive federal enforcement actions have reduced the practical need for militias and groups like the Proud Boys to advance far‑right aims.
Does the piece document specific shootings by ICE?
The article states that ICE agents are shooting US citizens, but it does not provide detailed incident reporting in the provided excerpt.
Did the Proud Boys stop supporting Trump?
The article says the Proud Boys were active supporters during Trump’s first term and contends their necessity has declined; it does not say the group has stopped supporting him.
Is this reporting or opinion?
The piece is written by a WIRED reporter who covers disinformation and extremism and presents analysis of a shift in tactics; whether it is labeled opinion is not confirmed in the source.
DAVID GILBERT POLITICS JAN 14, 2026 11:00 AM Trump Doesn’t Need the Proud Boys Anymore In a world where ICE agents are shooting US citizens on the street, the need…
Sources
- Trump Doesn’t Need the Proud Boys Anymore
- Trump administration's posts echo rhetoric linked to …
- NPR investigation shows how the government tried to …
- America's New Era of Violent Populism Is Here
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