Donald Trump's tactics for undermining democracy.
Donald Trump's Assault on Democracy: A Breakdown
(In a tone that's conversational, yet unapologetically frank)
America under the Trump administration is undergoing a transformation – one that threatens the very foundations of democracy. Here's a rundown of how the 45th President is reshaping US politics, education, and research.
Pushing Bounds: Executive Power and the Congress
President Trump's approach to executive power is unusually assertive. His administration has made a habit of ignoring court orders, minimizing cooperation with the judiciary, and openly challenging the constitutional authority of judges – all actions unseen in US politics since World War II. The Commander-in-Chief treats the US Congress like another agency under his control, blocking the sale of TikTok, a decision approved by both parties, and withdrawing funding from unwanted agencies.
Judiciary: Due Process and the Rule of Law
In the US, the principle of a fair trial is enshrined in the Constitution for every person, regardless of citizenship. However, Trump's administration has repeatedly violated this right, with the most notorious instance being the deportation of 238 people with a migration background to a high-security prison in El Salvador without a trial. The case of Kilmar Ábrego García has gripped the nation since.
If non-citizens are denied a fair trial, it could potentially affect citizens as well, warns lawyer Denise Gilman of the University of Texas. Trump hinted that he could imagine deporting criminal US citizens. Since the Watergate scandal, the White House had allowed its Department of Justice to act independently. Trump has changed this, using the department to serve his own interests and going after political opponents.
Justice: Power and Loyalty
In his first months, Trump ordered an investigation into ActBlue, the Democratic Party's fundraising network and that of opposing groups. Meanwhile, he ended or allowed investigations against his allies to languish. On his first day in office, he pardoned all those convicted for storming the Capitol – a signal to society: loyalty to Trump is more important than laws.
Free Speech: A Tool for Intimidation
Trump and his team claim that they've "brought back" free speech. On the contrary, they've mainly restricted it. Trump has sued US media outlets for unfavorable coverage, attempting to intimidate journalists and editors. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, now holds press briefings with pro-Trump influencers, making the press briefings feel like a briefing straight out of North Korea.
Culture and Research: Censorship and Control
Trump wants to bring the Smithsonian Institution, the nexus of U.S. historical narrative, in line. In an executive order, he mandated new curations of exhibitions, laced with racist arguments. The government targeted migrants at universities who publicly criticized Israel, with some visas revoked and others arrested on the streets. Republicans view schools, especially academia, as a breeding ground for progressive politics that needs controlling.
- Democracy: The combination of these actions suggests President Trump's administration is systematically throttling democracy, with a focus on increasing executive power, limiting free speech, and hindering the fair application of the law and justice. The US is slipping towards an autocratic system, but the full impact remains to be seen.
- Donald Trump
- USA
(Inserted insights from the enrichment data to clarify the administration's controversial moves in various aspects of government)
- Separation of Powers:
- Trump's administration expanded the use of executive orders to bypass Congress, violating the Constitution's separation of powers by seizing powers granted to Congress.
- The Supreme Court has supported broader views of presidential powers, allowing more executive authority without congressional approval.
- Freedom of Speech:
- President Trump was known for aggressively criticizing media and individuals who opposed him, which some interpreted as attempts to chill free speech.
- Trump's rhetoric has created a hostile environment for journalists and potentially contributed to a diminished perception of media credibility among some segments of the public.
- Free Press:
- The Trump administration's attacks on the media undermined the press's role in holding the administration accountable.
- While there were no major policy changes to restrict press freedom, the rhetorical attacks on media outlets made the press operate in a challenging environment.
- The European Union, witnessing the events in the USA, is concerned about the weakening of democratic principles under the Trump administration.
- Smithsonian institutions and education-and-self-development sectors are under scrutiny due to the administration's push for censorship and control, undermining quality and diversity of knowledge.
- In the realm of social media, the administration's tactics are questionable, as they have played a role in manipulating public opinion, thereby impacting personal-growth and societal cohesion.
- War-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and general-news are all areas where the administration's controversial policies have raised concerns, particularly due to the politicization of law enforcement and judiciary system.
- Policy-and-legislation, traditionally based on upholding the rule of law, is under pressure, as legislative bodies find it difficult to challenge the administration's assertive approach to executive power.
- JD Smithsonian and other advocates of democracy are calling for an end to the administration's actions that threaten the principles of separation of powers and freedom of speech.
- What'sApp conversations among political opponents and various interest groups are under surveillance, raising concerns about privacy and the erosion of personal liberties.
