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Filmmaker Dinesh D'Souza told Pete Hegseth on Fox & Friends that calls for an end to anti-Trump rioting and violence will go largely unanswered from the peaceful faction of the political left.

"The rhetoric that has inspired this violence has come from the mainstream of the Democrat Party," D'Souza said.

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He said that a common belief among many on the Left is that President Trump is a "modern-day [Benito] Mussolini", and recalled how actress Ashley Judd compared the president to Adolf Hitler.

"The party is largely brain-dead," he said, adding that the rioting in Washington over the weekend embodied a "juvenile embitterment of losing an election they think they could have won."

D'Souza said that former President Obama kept the "backroom" faction of the Democratic Party, led by Hillary Clinton, and the more active faction lead by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) together, but that Clinton's loss will allow the "Bernie Faction" to "gain prominence".

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

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Dinesh D'Souza: 'Brain-Dead' Democrat Party Will Allow Public Unrest to Continue - Fox News Insider

Variety

Chelsea Handler Nixes Two-Party Politics: 'I'm Not a Democrat Anymore' (Watch) Variety Handler revealed that after the results of the 2016 election, she no longer considers herself a Democrat. Divisiveness is not the answer, and I think to get that message, we have to reach across party lines, Handler said. Forget your party. I'm ... and more »

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Chelsea Handler Nixes Two-Party Politics: 'I'm Not a Democrat Anymore' (Watch) - Variety

A steadily growing number of congressional Democrats are refusing to attend Donald Trumps inauguration, sending a message of resistance at the outset of Trumps presidency. Its less clear, however, what exactly that message is, and whether it will do the Democratic Party much good as it attempts to find its way in the Trump era.

The high-profile protest was galvanized by the president-elects rebuke of civil rights icon John Lewis as all talk and no action over the weekend after the Georgia congressman said he does not view Trump as a legitimate president and did not plan to attend Trumps inauguration. At the latest count, more than 60 Democrats in Congress have now announced they will not show up. Painting a bleak picture of what the country now faces, some Democrats warn that the incoming Trump administration could fundamentally erode American democracy.

A Reflection on Trump's Uncharted Presidency

Trump is absolutely trying to attack our democratic institutions and to make the country more authoritarian, Democratic congressman Ted Lieu from California said in an interview, citing what he described as Trumps attempts to undermine the free press, and barrage of attacks against anyone who criticizes him. Those are authoritarian actions, and I think its important for those who love America and love our democracy to resist, he added. I think our country is facing a grave threat, Jared Huffman, another Democratic congressman from California warned. I dont think we can take for granted the continuation of democracy as usual.

The problem for Democrats is that a highly-publicized spectacle of resistance might contribute to an erosion of democratic norms in its own right if it disrupts the peaceful transition of power from one president to the next. The different reasons some Democrats have for not attending inauguration, and the fact that high-profile party leaders are not taking part in the boycott, also highlight the partys struggle to craft a unified opposition.

Its really not something I ever could have imagined, but that tells you just how far out of the mainstream this particular situation is, and I cant normalize it, congressman Huffman said. I cant sit there and pretend that everythings just fine with our democracy when I know its not. When asked whether a boycott could further erode norms, however, Huffman added: I do have that concern.

Seeking to defend the decision not to attend inauguration, Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said there were numerous Republicans who didnt attend Obamas first or second inaugural, adding: so its not as much of a tradition or a norm as people think. A Senate Historian told The Sacramento Bee that while about 100 lawmakers skip the presidential inauguration every four years due to scheduling conflicts, the Senate Historical Office had no record of a boycott comparable to that being proposed for Trumps inauguration. And even if rank-and-file members of Congress dont always attend inaugurations, a high-profile show of resistance is far more dramatic then quietly skipping town.

Democratic congresswoman Pramila Jayapal from Washington decided not to attend the inauguration because she wants to spend time with her constituents, many of whom she says are truly terrified of what Trumps presidency might bring. She does not consider her decision a boycott, but argued that Democrats cannot back down from the potential threat of a Trump presidency. He cant expect everybody else to play by the rules, if he himself is not playing by the rules, she said.

In making his case against Trumps legitimacy, Lewis invoked Russias alleged involvement in the election. I think the Russians participated in helping this man get elected, and they helped destroy the candidacy of Hillary Clinton, he said on Meet The Press. A report issued by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence recently concluded that Russia led an influence campaign during the election intended to undermine public faith in the US democratic process, denigrate Secretary Clinton, and harm her electability and potential presidency, a campaign which involved the hacking and release of emails from the Democratic National Committee. It did not find any evidence of interference with the actual vote count.

Other congressional Democrats have pointed to reasons apart from the specter of election interference to argue that Trumps legitimacy is in doubt, though not every Democrat refusing to attend inauguration has gone so far as to say that Trump is illegitimate.

The legitimacy I question really is more about his moral legitimacy, Democratic congressman Mark Takano of California said, citing Trumps criticism of Lewis over Martin Luther King Day weekend. You need more than a technical, legal win of the Electoral College to lead our country ... you need a certain amount of moral authority, and respect from the citizenry, he added.

Congressman Lieu added that Trump faces serious issues surrounding legitimacy, based on his refusal to release his tax returns and the warnings of ethics experts that he will face conflicts of interest when he takes office due to his business holdings. I accept that Donald Trump will be our next president, but I absolutely have concerns about his legitimacy, and he alone can clear up those concerns, he said.

Trump himself spent years seeking to sow doubt over President Obamas legitimacy by falsely suggesting whether he was an American citizen. The rationale, tactics and circumstances are very different now: Trump was not an elected official, and was giving voice to false rumor and innuendo, not citing intelligence agency findings and the expert opinions of ethicists. Congressional Democrats stature as elected officials could mean that whatever they say to sow doubt over Trumps legitimacy might be more likely to take hold among their constituents.

The show of opposition has met with criticism from some Republicans in Congress who suggest the action might have dangerous consequences. Im disappointed that all these Democrats are saying theyre going to stay home, Republican congressman Sean Duffy said in an interview on CNN, arguing that if these events become partisan in nature, thats bad for the country. Trump dismissed the protest as unimportant in an interview on Fox News. What happens to their tickets?, he asked. I hope they give me their tickets.

Of course, even the loftiest ideals would not prevent an inauguration celebrating the election of a political figure from being a partisan event on some level. And some Democrats have defended their decision as well within the bounds of expressing dissent in a democracy. Not attending inauguration is fundamentally not about Democrats saying that we oppose the peaceful transition of power, congressman Takano said. We are fundamentally doing an American thing by voicing our dissent. Nothing about a constitutional, peaceful transfer of power says that theres no room for dissent.

Whether Democratic defections at inauguration sets the tone for how the party works with Trump when he becomes president remains to be seen. Some Democrats have been quick to emphasize that just because they wont be attending inauguration does not mean they plan to refuse to work with Trump once he takes office. Theres a difference between obstructing for the sake of obstruction, which is what the Republicans did to President Barack Obama for eight years, versus not normalizing unacceptable behavior, and racism, sexism, and bigotry, Lieu said, adding: If a piece of legislation is a good idea ... Im going to vote for it. If its a bad idea, Im going to vote against it. Im not simply going to obstruct and vote no.

Democrats may be concerned that voters will label them obstructionists, but in seeking to prove that they will work with Trump if he acts in good faith, they risk coming across as insincere. Anxious Democratic voters may find it hard to imagine how a lawmaker could on the one hand warn that Trump poses an existential threat to American democracy, but still find it acceptable to work with him if he comes up with a good policy proposal. It also seems unlikely that Trump and Democratic members of Congress who fiercely oppose so many of his statements and actions to date will manage to find much common ground.

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Why Some Democrats in Congress Refuse to Attend Trump's Inauguration - The Atlantic

I am bracing for a Trump presidency with a concern, mixed with ambivalence, and a healthy dose of cautious optimism. We live in the most magnificent country on earth, and Donald J. Trump is assuming an awe-inspiring office that will hopefully transform him for the better; perhaps, even inspire him to be a leader our country so rightly deserves.

I empathize with those still outraged by the election of an ostensibly unqualified, erratic president with the angst of an arriviste.

My mouth fell to the floor when Trump was elected president.

I assumed he had no chance to win, but no poll could detect the severe deficiencies in Hillary ClintonHillary Rodham ClintonThis feminist stands against abortion rights captivity of women's rights Thousands expected for women's march Saturday Five takeaways from Trump's inauguration MOREs lackluster candidacy for president and the broken hearts of voters, even previously loyal Democrats, so disenchanted by our political system.

Many made the case against the potentially debilitating impact of the Trump presidency. The media such as yours truly tried to raise awareness of his divisive personality. Some pointed to the potential erosion of our illustrious, longstanding constitutional values. Despite it all, this was simply met with a shrug by enthusiasts who were sick of politicians facile talking points, and empty rhetoric.

Trump was real after all, or so they said.

But, is he? Trump could be a pragmatist in ideological sheeps clothing, and that is a reason to be guardedly optimistic, at least from a liberal standpoint.

He allegedly told the New York Times behind closed doors, he wouldnt deport all undocumented immigrants. During the campaign, Trump soften his stance on a Muslim ban. After talking with President Barack ObamaBarack ObamaFive takeaways from Trump's inauguration Michael Reagan: Trump's fighting words rattle Washington Obama's post-presidential vacation delayed by bad weather MORE, Trump moderated his once vehement criticism of the Affordable Care Act. His concrete wall became a fence, and just recently, Trump has signaled his willingness to maintain sanctions on Russia, but open to removing them.

As an American, I want to see my country thrive, and de facto, would like to see Trump be successful as a president. If Trump is prosperous, our country could be better off as well. When I say this, I make that statement with some caveats; a successfully presidency is uniting our country, protecting all Americans, and making it a better place for everything no matter their race, religion, or color.

This is the definition of a fruitful presidency, not merely measuring whether goals have been accomplished, regardless of their merits.

Despite his numerous flaws, controversies, and insecurities, Trump is our president, a president of all Americans whether we voted for him or not. When assuming the highest office of the land, Trump has the potential to lead our country towards a better tomorrow as clich as that sounds.

I hope Trump can take his preeminent role in the history books as a man who changed our country for the better. The president-elect is far from docile, which can be seen from his unconventional candidacy. We need a president who can combat the political gridlock, and bring succor to those left behind by our government.

Our country was built on a mix of optimism and realism. As Americans, we hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Trump will assume office, and as Americans, we must carefully offer him the benefit of the doubt as hard as that can be.

Perhaps we were wrong about Trump all along? Perhaps he isnt as terrible as he acts in public? Maybe a dreadful person can be an effective president? Possibly he will unite us more than ever? These elusive questions will be knocking at our hypothetical door soon enough or, conceivably, smashing through it with a battering ram.

Our constitutional Republic was designed to have checks, and balances.

If Trump is as abysmal, as he appears, we need to be ready to hold him accountable through political means, that is our duty as Americans. This is our country, and no one has the right to undermine the tenuous democracy we hold so precious.

That is why we, the American people, elected him, to make critical, expansive decisions that benefit all of us, and that is why we should pray he makes the right choice every day. For if he doesnt, there will be hell to pay.

I know many Americans are scared, but we have to be united. We have our disagreements, but as Americans, we need to put the divisiveness aside to find real solutions to the problems that we face as a society. With time, maybe, just maybe, Trump could be a president a majority of Americans respect.

I hope my fellow Democrats will at least entertain that unlikely possibility.

Matt Fecteau of Pawtucket, R.I., was a Democratic congressional candidate in 2014. He is a former White House national security intern and Iraq war veteran. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewFecteau.

The views of contributors are their own and are not the views of The Hill.

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A Democrat's (very cautious) case for optimism in the Trump era - The Hill (blog)

President Trump will travel to CIA headquarters Saturday to meet with the nations leading spies and analysts.

The visit comes at a strained time between Trump and my former intelligence colleagues, largely because their commander in chief initially rejected and later acknowledged their assessment of Russias meddling in the 2016 campaign. He did so in very personal, unforgiving terms.

But Trump has his own reasons to be frustrated: former intelligence leaders smeared him with unproven allegations of a treasonous relationship with Russia. Even President Obama took a dim view of how they handled the unvetted rumor.

So how does Trump reset his relationship with our nations spies? One simple idea: show that he can think and act like one.

Spies live by a unique set of rules. Some are formal, some are unspoken. All told, they guide how clandestine officers think and behave, shaping their view of themselves, their colleagues, and the world. If Trump can adopt these rules, he will earn the trust and respect of the men and women that he needs to protect the republic.

Spies live by a unique set of rules. Some are formal, some are unspoken. All told, they guide how clandestine officers think and behave, shaping their view of themselves, their colleagues, and the world. If Trump can adopt these rules, he will earn the trust and respect of the men and women that he needs to protect the republic.

Here are the top five.

1. If You Mess Up, Fess Up: When a spy makes a mistake, the consequences can be grave. People die. Nations stumble. Yet all people fall short. The path to redemption at the CIA is straightforward acknowledge the error, apologize, and help find a solution.

Trump made a mistake in slamming the intelligence community and their assessment of Russias meddling in the election. Healing that wound involves an apology and commitment to listening more carefully in the future. No other words will do.

At the same time, Trump should rightfully remind CIA officers that unvetted rumors have no place in American intelligence. Especially when it involves domestic politics.

2. All for One, One for All: Spies understand that diversity is important. Foreign targets present themselves as every race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Recruiting these informants takes officers who match that complicated diversity. To be clear, this isnt about some form of liberal social engineering. Its about mobilizing good human sources of information.

Trump should acknowledge and embrace this ethos of diversity, ensuring that the intelligence community has the full range of officers and assets it needs to keep the nation safe.

3. Challenge Your Assumptions: In the civilian world, were encouraged to stand firm in our beliefs. In the world of espionage, beliefs are temporary. Why? With every passing second, new reports pour in from around the world with updated information. Spies have to be on the watch for new insights that challenge their assumptions. Its dangerous to assume youre always right.

Trump should champion this culture and explain that the country needs this perspective to prevent fighting the wrong wars or adopting the wrong tactics.

4. Innovate or Die: The CIAs mission hasnt changed since the 1940s but virtually everything else has. Two years ago, the Agencys director launched reforms in the spirit of keeping pace. Regrettably, many of those changes have fallen flat and made the country less safe. Still, changes are needed.

Intelligence officers would welcome Trumps reversal of the failed reforms, focusing instead on the core problem: a culture of yes men (and women). Changing organizational charts wont matter if you dont change the Agencys leadership.

For proof of the dysfunction, Trump should ask for employee surveys that capture their lack of trust in senior management.

5. America First: Spies embody the spirit of President Kennedys call to be an idealist without illusion. They understand Americas promise as leader of the free world but know others seek to destroy her. Theyve seen that we have no permanent friends, only permanent interests.

Trump should acknowledge that America is strong only because we make it so. Allies like the Europeans or NATO are critically important, but no other nation or entity will replace firm American resolve in the face of adversity.

No matter how Trump handles his first engagement with the CIA, he and the country should understand one final rule of spies: fidelity to the American people. They do not serve a political party. And they do not flee if their preferred candidate loses an election. They stand firm with the Constitution and offer faithful service to their commander in chief.

Its now up to President Trump to show that their loyalty is well placed.

Bryan Dean Wright is a former CIA ops officer and member of the Democratic Party. He contributes on issues of politics, national security, and the economy. Follow him on Twitter @BryanDeanWright.

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I'm ex-CIA (and a Democrat) but here are five spy rules that could benefit Trump - Fox News