The Erosion of Democracy Under the Trump Administration Accelerates
By Danny R. Johnson – Political News Editor
The “deep state,” an enduring subject of intrigue, gained renewed attention during Donald Trump’s first term presidency. Allegations of a hidden network undermining his administration became a rallying point for supporters and shaped political discourse. While critics often dismissed these claims as exaggerated, they highlighted tensions between secrecy and accountability in government. Trump is now the official head of the deep state, and its agenda is real and continues to influence current events.
The principle of separation of powers is foundational to the functioning of a democratic government, ensuring that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches operate independently to prevent any one branch from accumulating excessive authority. As the legislative arm, Congress is a critical pillar in this framework. However, the delicate balance of power is disrupted when Congress fails to exercise its oversight functions or abdicates its responsibilities. This dereliction can manifest as inaction in holding the executive accountable, succumbing to partisan interests, or neglecting the rigorous scrutiny required for judicial appointments. Without a vigilant and proactive Congress, the checks are designed to restrain overreach by other branches, leaving democracy vulnerable to erosion.
Analyzing the Challenges to Democratic Norms and Institutions
The Republican majority Congress’s failure to act has increased presidential and judicial power. This institutional weakness is a significant constitutional issue that changes administrations won’t resolve. It stems from decisions made by Congress members, and only they can fix it. Constitutional renewal in America depends on their action.
The second term of the Trump administration has brought a renewed focus on the fragility of democratic institutions and the critical importance of safeguarding constitutional norms. While the rhetoric and policies of his first term sparked widespread debate about the health of American democracy, his second term further underscored the challenges posed to the foundational principles of governance and the rule of law.
Weakening of Democratic Institutions
During Trump’s 100 days in office, trust in democratic institutions declined amid controversy. His rhetoric and agency heads have undermined the credibility of the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the judiciary, polarizing public opinion and obstructing bipartisan cooperation. The Republican-led Congress faces criticism for partisanship and perceived inaction, raising concerns about the separation of powers and the executive branch’s disproportionate influence over policy decisions.
Freedom of the Press Under Siege
With 100 days back in office, it is evident that President Trump is making an impact. However, this has not been entirely beneficial for the media or journalism. The Trump administration’s second term has exhibited increased hostility towards the press compared to the first term, raising concerns among many experts.
The examples are numerous and include:
· President Trump banned Associated Press reporters from White House news conferences for refusing to rename the Gulf of Mexico.
· Lawsuits have been filed against ABC News and CBS, among others, with some cases settled.
· The Federal Communications Commission has threatened or initiated investigations into broadcasters.
· The administration reportedly aims to cut funding for NPR and PBS.
· The administration has made efforts to shut down Voice of America.
While it is not uncommon for presidential administrations to have conflicts with the media—Richard Nixon was notably hostile—the Trump administration’s actions are considered unprecedented by media industry experts.
A free press is vital for democracy. During President Trump’s second term, the media faces challenges such as being labeled “enemy of the people,” which endangered journalists and bred distrust. Independent media struggled with misinformation on social media, often aligning with the administration’s narratives. Efforts to regulate these platforms are hindered by Trump loyalists, leaving the public vulnerable to false information.
Challenges to Free and Fair Elections
Perhaps the most glaring issue was the continued questioning of the legitimacy of electoral processes. In the lead-up to the midterm elections, Trump and his allies frequently cast doubt on the integrity of mail-in voting and other election mechanisms. Though debunked mainly by experts and the courts, these claims negatively affected voter confidence.
Last week, Trump signed an executive order to overhaul elections in the United States, including requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and mandating that all ballots be received by Election Day. The order states that the U.S. has failed “to enforce basic and necessary election protections” and calls on states to collaborate with federal agencies to share voter lists and prosecute election crimes. It also threatens to withdraw federal funding from states where election officials do not comply.
This action may face swift legal challenges because states have significant authority to determine their election rules. The move aligns with Trump’s consistent criticism of election processes. He frequently asserts that elections are rigged, even before the results are known, and has contested various voting methods since he lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden, attributing the loss to alleged widespread fraud.
Efforts to tighten voting laws in key states were framed as attempts to ensure election integrity but were widely criticized as measures that could disenfranchise marginalized communities. Laws requiring stricter voter identification and limiting voting hours disproportionately impacted on voters of color, sparking legal battles and public protests.
Heightened Political Polarization
Political polarization has reached unprecedented levels during Trump’s second term, exacerbated by divisive rhetoric and policies. The administration’s handling of key issues, from immigration to healthcare, often sidelined meaningful dialogue in favor of partisan posturing. Social media became a battleground for ideological conflict, further driving community wedges.
Donald Trump’s return to the White House shows he has changed. His nationalist and populist rhetoric now includes an authoritarian approach, unprecedented in U.S. history. He views the global economy as a zero-sum game, prioritizing power and wealth accumulation over cooperation. After surviving two impeachments, lawsuits, and an assassination attempt, Trump appears to govern with significant authority. His supporters view him as a hero or even a near-messianic figure. He now uses democracy to legitimize his power, seeing his electoral victory as a mandate to disregard institutional limits.
The collapse of the USSR beginning in 1991 – a structuring external enemy – redirected political confrontation toward the designation of an internal enemy. The culture war has become the dominant ideological battleground, driven by two closely linked forces. On one side, a religious radicalization led by nationalist Christian movements, such as the New Apostolic Reformation, seeks to roll back social progress and promote the vision of an outright theocracy. On the other hand, growing racial anxiety is fueled by fears of white demographic decline and resistance to civil rights gains. The late commentator Pat Buchanan saw it coming as early as the 1990s. Speaking at the 1992 Republican National Convention, he warned: “There is a cultural war going on for the soul of America… as critical as the Cold War itself.” Too radical for his time, Buchanan championed a white, Christian, conservative U.S. hostile to cosmopolitan elites. Though marginalized then, his ideas laid the groundwork for Trumpism. Newt Gingrich, who served as Speaker of the House from 1995 to 1999, was pivotal in reshaping the Republican Party and U.S. politics. A Republican group he chaired famously distributed a pamphlet to Republican candidates titled “Language: A Key Mechanism of Control”, advising them to use uplifting language to describe themselves, and inflammatory terms like “corrupt”, “immoral,” and “traitor” to describe their opponents. This aggressive rhetoric redefined political rivals as enemies to be defeated, helping pave the way for a right-wing politics in which winning trumps democratic norms.
At the same time, the rise of a new conservative media ecosystem intensified polarization. The launch of Fox News in 1996, the growth of right-wing talk radio shows like Rush Limbaugh’s, and the later explosion of social media gave the evangelical right-wing MAGA right powerful tools to shape and radicalize public opinion. Today, algorithm-driven information bubbles trap citizens in alternate realities, where misinformation and outrage drown out reasoned debate. This has deepened polarization and fractured society as a whole.
This polarization extended beyond the political sphere, manifesting in social and cultural divides that hindered collective action on pressing issues such as climate change, public health, and economic inequality. The inability to find common ground weakened the nation’s capacity to address challenges cohesively and effectively.
The Role of Civil Society
Trump’s rhetoric – characterized by transgressive, provocative, and often contentious remarks – expresses previously suppressed sentiments. The criticism of opponents becomes part of his approach. For his supporters, it is engaging. It challenges established norms, disregards political correctness, and fosters the idea of restoring a perceived former America. He has garnered support from economic and tech figures like Elon Musk, who has become influential in right-wing circles on X. Trumpism has evolved into a new phase. They have introduced a form of cultural and digital influence that prioritizes impact over traditional institutions.
The U.S. re-elected not just an individual, but a style, a period, and a perspective focused on assertiveness, disruption, and a disregard for conventional rules. Nonetheless, history remains uncertain: driven by excessive pride and hampered by inefficiency, Trumpism may face significant challenges, potentially affecting countries beyond the United States.
Civil society has historically defended democratic norms through grassroots efforts, advocacy, and holding leaders accountable. These actions have demonstrated democracy’s resilience. Trump’s second term revealed vulnerabilities in democratic systems, emphasizing the need for vigilance. Despite challenges, recent peaceful demonstrations by Americans underscore the importance of civic engagement and the strength of democratic ideals.
