Ways President Donald Trump undermines democratic processes.
The Trump administration's tenure has left an indelible mark on the United States' political system. In the early months of his second term, the president has shown a disturbing disregard for several cornerstones of democracy, including the separation of powers, equality before the law, and the education sector.
A scientist put it bluntly, "It's hard to imagine a democratic future in this country." This article explores the most significant ways in which Trump's actions have undermined the American democratic system, with a focus on the executive branch, the judiciary, and education.
Crossing Boundaries: A Sovereign President?
Trump's administration has boldly ignored or restricted cooperation with judicial orders, stretching the boundaries of the separation of powers like no other president since World War II. Public insults towards judges, and claims that they lack the authority to review the president's actions, raise serious questions about the autonomy of the judiciary. The executive branch’s disregard for the court system is not only anti-democratic but directly challenges the principles of the rule of law.
The president's treatment of the US Congress as yet another agency to control underscores his disdain for checks and balances essential to a functioning democracy. Whether it's blocking the sale of TikTok, which had bipartisan support, or withholding funding from unwanted agencies, Trump seems to believe that any decision that isn't to his liking can simply be overturned.
A Fair Trial? Only for Some
The principle of "equal justice for all" appears to apply unevenly under Trump's administration. Migrants, in particular, have faced numerous legal obstacles and violations of their constitutional rights, with many being deported without a trial. The most notorious case being that of Kilmar Ábrego García, whose case has captivated the nation. Politically-motivated deportations not only violate the constitution but could also set a dangerous precedent for the denial of basic rights to anyone, regardless of their citizenship status.
Justice for Sale?
The Department of Justice has ceased to act independently under Trump's watch. Instead, it has become an extension of the White House, used to serve the president's interests and pursue political opponents. ActBlue, the Democratic Party's fundraising network, was targeted in an investigation, while allies receive immunity from prosecution. The blurring of lines between political power and the truth undermines the democratic values upon which the US was built.
Free Speech? Only for the President
Trump often claims to champion free speech, but in reality, his actions have stifled dissenting voices and curtailed the press. Media outlets have been sued for unfavorable coverage, leaving journalists and editors to navigate a landmine of intimidation. The White House press secretary now holds "briefings," effectively scripted propaganda sessions for pro-Trump influencers, reminiscent of propaganda tactics straight out of North Korea.
Book bans have become controversial, as the conservative culture war against progressive politics continues. Authorities are removing books criticizing discrimination, women in the Holocaust, and other controversial topics. The military, for instance, has removed books about racial injustice from the library of the Naval Academy. "Mein Kampf," however, remains available in two copies, highlighting the selective nature of this censorship campaign.
Targeting Culture and Research
The administration's efforts to influence cultural narratives extend to the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, a key player in shaping the US's historical understanding. Trump has issued executive orders mandating new curations of exhibitions, laced with racist arguments, undermining the credibility and impartiality of the institution.
The government, particularly, targets universities, particularly academia, which it views as a breeding ground for progressive politics. Dissident voices have faced deportation and arrest, while universities themselves are threatened with funding cuts if they don't comply with the administration's demands to dismantle affirmative action measures.
Faced with mounting pressure from the government, esteemed universities like Columbia and Harvard are laying off employees and losing tax exemptions. Yale University professor Jason Stanley, author of "How Fascism Works," has announced his departure for Canada, stating, "It's hard to see a democratic future in this country."
References- ntv.de
- Donald Trump
- USA
- The European Union might consider the erosion of democratic principles observed in the United States during Trump's tenure, such as his administration's disregard for the separation of powers, as a concern for education-and-self-development, given the potential impact on the future of American democracy.
- War-and-conflicts may worsen as a result of Trump's administration's contentious relationship with the US Congress and the judiciary, as the president's disdain for checks and balances could lead to an unbalanced power structure that threatens the stability of the democratic system.
- The Department of Justice's lack of independence and its use to serve the president's interests under Trump's administration raises questions in the general-news sector about possible crime-and-justice implications, as cases like the targeting of ActBlue and the politically-motivated deportations could set dangerous precedents for future misuse of power.
