Over the last four days, the bizarre Cybertruck fire outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas has transformed from a comical interlude to a possible terrorist incident to a tragic suicide, with each description capturing an important part of the story. The individual involved, Matthew Livelsberger, is a veteran of America’s forever wars, and his actions may be understood through the prism of his experiences and political beliefs.
RNews reports have largely focused on Livelsberger’s warning of national decline and his lack of ill will towards Donald Trump, but one must also consider his political motives, as expressed in documents on his iPhone. These manifestos denounce Democrats and demand their removal from power by any means necessary, stating they must be “culled” from Washington. He also hopes that his own death will serve as a bellwether for a national rebirth of masculinity under the leadership of Trump, Elon Musk, and Bobby Kennedy Jr.
Livelsberger’s writings are filled with references to military and veterans’ movements, the need for a purge of the Democratic Party from government and the military, and the need for a “hard reset” to avoid collapse. He criticizes the 1%, excessive screen time for children, and wars with no clear strategic purpose. His views on diversity and, stereotypically, masculinity are also reflected in his writing.
It is important to consider both the violent and vulnerable aspects of Livelsberger’s life, including his PTSD and possible traumatic brain injury, as well as his political beliefs. The through-line of his writing is a desire to overwrite the current political landscape with a new wave of masculinity, leading to a “hegemony” for all Americans. The implications of this are far-reaching and suggest a deep-seated disillusionment with the current state of politics.