I think that as reported the heter makes perfect sense, especially after seeing videos ofthe rampaging anti-Trump hooligans. Assuming that the driver is not Jewish it is at most an issur d’rabbanan of amira l’akum. This is allowed even in situations that are not life-threatening. If a non-Jew told the non-Jewish driver to drive them it is even easier. If there was a security deal in the car and there were more non-Jews than Jews it is even easier as we might be able to say that the melacha was done for their benefit.
As for copy-cats, your complaint should be against those who advertised the heter. However, it could also be that the discussions in frum social media will make people more aware of the fact that the Halacha is not black and white but shades of gray. Knowing that one has a shaila is also very important. According to the version in the Midrash Rabba, when Rabbi Pinchas ben Yair’s talmidim pointed out that animal fodder is exempt from terumot and maaserot he said “hachamor machmir”.