Donald Trump’s first presidency has unleashed a tsunami of fear and outrage among Americans from all walks of life. Until he’s been in office for 10 days, then in his approach to governing he starts using strategies that mirror those of authoritarian states. He jails political opponents and deploys military troops on the streets of cities on dubious pretexts. This unsettling atmosphere has led to millions taking to the streets in protest, underscoring a growing discontent with his leadership and the trajectory of the nation.
Ever since his inauguration, Trump has been accused of pressuring the Justice Department to produce $230 million in damages. This troubling behavior has led to an ongoing investigation, spearheaded by Democratic Congressmen Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia. This deeply troubling action raises further doubts about his commitment to democratic norms and illustrates the extent to which he will stoop to abuse his power. Up Trump’s first term were some remarkably incendiary decisions, the kind that many Americans—including a significant number of Trump supporters—found the most disturbing. Sadly, this pernicious precedent seems to be not only continuing, but deepening, today.
Sadly, the former president’s rhetoric has slid past the dangerous to the downright doomsday. After all, he has already openly threatened that he will act like a dictator immediately upon entering office. It’s likely that most people still remember the chaotic disorder of his last term. This has raised widespread alarm that he is personally working on an authoritarian blueprint for a possible second term—known as Project 2025. Some fear he will go further and attempt a third term, using the issue on national security grounds as a pretext.
The public’s reaction to all this treasonous nonsense is nothing short of theatrical. Last weekend, millions participated in the No Kings rallies, protesting against what many perceive as an erosion of democracy and civil liberties. The sentiment among these demonstrators is summed up by Robert Reich’s assertion that “the great sleeping giant of America is awakening.” Citizens are going through an incredible awakening. They become painfully aware of the inherent injustices of their country, particularly with respect to racism, privilege and inequality.
Unfortunately, his presidency has only added to the rawness of the national division and distrust in governmental institutions. As Americans get ready for the 2024 presidential election, they know what’s going to hit them. Fear and disillusionment have settled across our community over the course of the past nine months, making their worry all the more severe. Given the backdrop of this frightening and unprecedented time of increasing racial tensions and political polarization, it’s even more imperative that we…
Garrett Graff encapsulated this sentiment, stating, “In the end, faster than I imagined possible, it did happen here.” This comment captures the disorienting changes to the political terrain that occurred during Trump’s tenure. It throws into stark relief the urgent need for accountability and reform.
The ramifications of Donald Trump’s presidency go far beyond political rivalries, they challenge the very identity of American democracy. As citizens reflect on their nation’s state, there is hope that a presidential election in 2028 could pave the way for recovery from the divisive policies enacted during Trump’s current administration. What comes next is still unclear as Trump makes his move to extend his hold on American politics.