# Is MAGA Trying To ASSASSINATE This Anti-Trump Author?

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lfbIcNcZ80
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/3lfbIcNcZ80
Generated: 2026-02-09T17:33:07.947+00:00

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## Quick Overview

Author Don Winslow canceled several public appearances for his new book, "The Final Score," due to a very serious and credible threat, which he attributes to his work exposing Donald Trump and his administration since 2015, noting that the threats he now faces are more severe than those he previously received regarding his writing on Mexican drug cartels.

**Key Points:**
- Author Don Winslow canceled several public book tour appearances due to a "very serious and credible threat" he received.
- Winslow has received threats for years for exposing Donald Trump and his administration since 2015, but states this current threat is different and more severe.
- He explicitly quotes his statement: "I accept that we live in a nation that is divided politically. I do not accept and will never accept for ANYONE to ever threaten or resort to violence to achieve their political positions or to silence anyone."
- The host, Mehdi Hasan, notes that the Republican party is very good at pushing narratives and messages, contrasting with the Democratic party's perceived liberal messaging.
- Winslow stated that he had to cancel in-person events and conduct them virtually for the safety of himself and his family.
- The author attributes the escalation of threats to his consistent anti-Trump work, including videos that reach millions of viewers.
- Winslow suggests that the current atmosphere is reminiscent of 1984, where people are afraid to speak out against perceived political enemies or what they believe is happening at the Capitol (referencing January 6th).

![Screenshot at 00:06: Host Mehdi Hasan interviews author Don Winslow via video link regarding the serious threats that forced Winslow to cancel in-person appearances for his new book, "The Final Score."](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/3lfbIcNcZ80/00-00-06.jpg)

**Context:** The video features an interview on the show "Mehdi Unfiltered" between host Mehdi Hasan and author Don Winslow. The central topic of discussion is the cancellation of Winslow's book tour for his new novel, "The Final Score," because of severe threats he received. Winslow has been a vocal critic of Donald Trump since 2015, and he contrasts the current threats with those he faced for writing about drug cartels, indicating a dangerous escalation in the political climate.

## Detailed Analysis

Author Don Winslow discusses on Mehdi Unfiltered why he canceled public appearances for his new book, "The Final Score." Winslow states the cancellation resulted from a "very serious and credible threat," which he asserts is different and more severe than threats he received for his previous work on Mexican drug cartels. He confirms that he has been a critic of Donald Trump since 2015. Winslow read a portion of his statement explaining he accepts political division but will never accept threats or violence used to silence people or achieve political positions. The host, Mehdi Hasan, contrasts the effectiveness of Republican narrative pushing with the Democratic party's perceived overly liberal messaging. Winslow explains that the threats are substantial enough that he must operate virtually for safety. He further notes that he and his father fought in wars (referencing the Korean War for his father), but the current political climate feels like a descent into a cult-like atmosphere reminiscent of 1984, characterized by lies and attacks on the capital. He advises aspiring writers to be realistic about the dangers of political writing, suggesting they should aim for achievable goals rather than expecting immediate impact, as he experienced disillusionment after the 2020 election. He concludes by emphasizing that Democrats must stop being overly civil and start fighting back against the perceived authoritarian tactics, such as advocating for abolishing ICE or supporting policies unpopular with their base.

### The Threat and Cancellation

- Don Winslow canceled public appearances for his new book, 'The Final Score,' due to a serious, credible threat
- This threat is more severe than previous ones received for writing about drug cartels
- Winslow will conduct events virtually for safety.

### Critique of Political Climate

- Winslow states the current environment is a 'fascist playbook' and reminiscent of '1984'
- He criticizes the Republican party for effectively pushing narratives and the Democratic party for being too civil and polite
- He points out hypocrisy in Republicans claiming patriotism while attacking the Constitution.

### Advice for Writers

- Winslow advises aspiring writers to be realistic; writing about politics is not always rewarded and can be dangerous
- He notes that he retired after the 2020 election didn't go as he hoped, but his book kept demanding to be written.

### Call to Action for Democrats

- Democrats must stop being overly civil and start playing 'tougher'
- They should campaign on issues like abolishing ICE and address the negative polling on those issues directly.

![Screenshot at 00:03: Mehdi Hasan setting up the interview with a background image of the snow-covered White House.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/3lfbIcNcZ80/00-00-03.jpg)
![Screenshot at 00:18: The text overlay showing the show title "MEHDI UNFILTERED" on the desk.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/3lfbIcNcZ80/00-00-18.jpg)
![Screenshot at 02:31: A screenshot of Don Winslow's tweet detailing the threat and his refusal to be silenced.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/3lfbIcNcZ80/00-02-31.jpg)
![Screenshot at 04:00: Host Mehdi Hasan speaking directly to the camera during the closing segment.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/3lfbIcNcZ80/00-04-00.jpg)
![Screenshot at 12:52: A graphic displaying the cover of Don Winslow's new book, "The Final Score."](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/3lfbIcNcZ80/00-12-52.jpg)