In the early days of his presidency, Donald Trump initiated actions that some view as an effort to consolidate his power by undermining federal institutions and traditional norms.
He has granted pardons to individuals involved in the Capitol attack aimed at reversing his 2020 election defeat. Trump has also installed loyal figures in key positions in the FBI and military, and has effectively purged the Department of Justice of dissenting voices. The DOJ has subsequently ceased inquiries into Trump associates.
Trump has asserted control over independent entities like the Federal Election Commission and has taken measures against media outlets critical of his administration. His allies have implied the possibility of disobeying court orders.
These moves have heightened fears among global democracy watchdogs about the potential risks to the United States’ democratic integrity. Brendan Nyhan, a political scientist at Dartmouth College, commented, “Trump is using the classic elected authoritarian playbook,” a sentiment echoed by over 800 political scientists in a shared letter.
Nyhan drew parallels between Trump’s strategies and those of leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orban. Maria Ressa, a Nobel laureate who faced government prosecution in the Philippines, remarked on Trump’s tactics, likening them to “death by a thousand cuts.”
‘What democracy is all about’
Trump’s portrayal as a strong leader is reinforced by his declaration that “we are the federal law,” and a social media post from the White House depicted him as a monarch. His supporters argue that he aims to preserve American democracy by fulfilling the electorate’s desire for a resolute leader. However, several executive orders, including those targeting independent agencies and birthright citizenship, have been stayed by courts.
In his campaign, Trump vowed to dismantle what he perceives as a corrupt bureaucracy. On his first day as president, he emphasized restoring public trust and freedom. Billionaire Elon Musk, appointed to lead governmental downsizing, echoed this sentiment, asserting he is working to “restore democracy.” Some legal challenges against Musk’s reforms remain unresolved.
Musk stated, “The people voted for major government reform and that’s what the people are going to get,” emphasizing the democratic process. However, experts caution that democracy involves more than just electoral victories. Kevin Casas-Zamora from International IDEA highlighted that “the power you gain through the ballot box is not unlimited power.”
‘Undermining our democratic traditions’
Internationally, Trump’s policies have caused concern among European allies about U.S. commitment to NATO and his alignment with Russia in Ukraine negotiations. Trump’s recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy drew mixed reactions, delighting Russian officials while dismaying European nations.
Senator Bernie Sanders criticized Trump’s relationship with Putin’s regime, citing it as a threat to democratic principles. Georgetown law professor Josh Chafetz observed that Trump’s actions center on augmenting his own power, without clear ideological motives.
Politicizing federal law enforcement
Despite pledges to respect the judiciary, Trump and Musk have implied that they might seek impeachment of judges who oppose their policies. The Department of Justice has been used to further Trump’s political aims, dismissing charges against allies in exchange for cooperation.
Ed Martin, nominated as U.S. attorney for D.C., has contacted Democrats for potential investigations into their past statements. This action has drawn parallels with political tactics in Latin America, according to Casas-Zamora.
Threatening perceived enemies
Trump has intensified his campaign against unfavorable media coverage by excluding reporters from government facilities and events. His administration is also investigating public broadcasters funded by the federal government.
Trump’s executive order aims to bring independent agencies under his control, concerning some Democrats. In a cautionary address, Governor JB Pritzker warned against repeating historical mistakes, alluding to the rise of Nazism in Germany.
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