In a long list of such dictatorial actions, the Trump administration has recently been seen as crossing the line from authoritarianism to outright fascism. This perception is fueled by President Donald Trump's admiration for foreign leaders with authoritarian leanings and his administration's acts that challenge legal boundaries. Despite this, recent actions—including pardoning the January 6th Capitol attackers—have left many mocking and outraged. The move to install loyalists into critical positions has shocked political analysts and American citizens alike.
The administration’s rejection of a judge’s order, forbidding the use of the Alien Enemies Act, is a notable example of this dangerous trend. The White House’s refusal to abide by judicial determinations strikes at the heart of democratic norms. Additionally, the justice department witnessed resignations in protest against the dropping of corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams, highlighting internal unrest and ethical dilemmas within the administration.
Then, as now, by many accounts, Trump’s approach produces a “sadistic spectacle.” He does not unknowingly break the law – he knowingly, intentionally breaks illegal actions to achieve his political goals. In support of this claim, former presidential speechwriter David Frum remarked, "Almost every major Trump action is intentionally illegal."
The Trump administration’s treatment of these detainees has come under large scrutiny as well. Jasmine Mooney, held for almost two weeks by US Customs and Border Protection, called her treatment in detention “barbaric and inhumane.”
"I was taken to a tiny, freezing cement cell with bright fluorescent lights and a toilet," she recounted.
Badar Khan Suri and Mahmoud Khalil were detained under dubious circumstances. This emerging policy poses a dangerous and chilling threat to civil liberties and human rights.
Given the administration’s dismantling of the USAID development agency — which may be unconstitutional by violating bedrock constitutional principles — these concerns are even more magnified. At the same time, a federal judge ruled that Doge’s conduct probably violated the constitution “in several respects.” This move further deepens criticism of the current administration on a widening list of moves, which critics say are eroding democratic institutions.
The deportation of Venezuelans without transparency regarding their alleged criminal activities has fueled skepticism about the administration's immigration policies. The White House has failed to release the names or any proof of their supposed criminal ties.
On the international stage, Trump has expressed praise for autocrats such as Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un. His monumental love of the autocratic strongman, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has been well documented, as has their shared envy of authoritarian governance styles.
Norm Eisen, a seasoned political commentator, observed, "Donald Trump is definitely pushing towards authoritarianism."
Additionally, Trump’s hostile actions against news organizations that published stories unflattering to his administration are part of a growing assault on press freedom. Chris Murphy reacted on social media to these developments, stating:
"In dictatorships, they call this practice 'being disappeared'."
These actions taken together create a picture of an administration that is ever more hostile to democratic ideals. Former GOP political strategist and current CNN political analyst Tara Setmayer said,
"We are approaching Defcon 1 for our democracy."