6 March, 12:26
Donald Trump has become the most striking symbol of the crisis in the U.S. democratic system. His political career, fueled by populism, authoritarian tendencies, and blatant disregard for international institutions built with U.S. involvement, has demonstrated that American democracy lacks reliable safeguards against internal threats.
His presidency has made it clear that even the most robust democratic systems can serve as a platform for the emergence of an autocratic regime.
Undermining International Institutions
One of the most notable aspects of Trump's tenure was his distrust of international organizations, many of which were created with strong U.S. participation. During his administration:
- The U.S. withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement,
- The United Nations was frequently criticized and its initiatives blocked,
- NATO faced existential threats due to Trump's repeated threats to withdraw support.
This approach not only weakened America's global standing but also signaled to the world that the post-World War II system of international stability could collapse overnight if a U.S. leader decided to dismantle it.
Domestic Political Turmoil: A Threat to Democracy
Throughout his presidency, Trump systematically undermined democratic procedures:
- He attacked independent media, labeling them as the "enemy of the people";
- He eroded trust in elections, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot;
- He used governmental powers to pressure political opponents.
This served as a warning: U.S. democracy does not have effective safeguards against a leader with autocratic inclinations. Traditional checks and balances—Congress, the judiciary, and the free press—proved insufficient in the face of aggressive populism.
The Lessons of Trumpism: Autocracy Through Democracy
Trump's example has demonstrated that democracy can be exploited as a tool for autocracy. He came to power through legitimate elections but used institutional mechanisms to weaken the very system that elected him. Populist rhetoric, mobilizing mass discontent, and undermining institutional foundations—all hallmarks of creeping autocracy—emerged in what was considered one of the world's most stable democracies.
Conclusion
The U.S. political system, built over generations, proved vulnerable to a populist leader who disregarded democratic principles. Trump has demonstrated that the system lacks a reliable "safety switch" to protect against autocratic threats from within. This raises a fundamental question: Can democracy effectively defend itself against internal usurpers, or is every democratic regime eventually doomed to fall victim to its own liberalism?