Rising Power of the "Anti-Establishment" Elite in American Politics: Trump's Reemergence
In the second term of Donald Trump's presidency, a new political elite has emerged, consolidating power under the MAGA banner. This alliance, comprising neo-reactionaries, neo-conservatives, and oligarchs, has been influenced by Trump and is pushing a corporate-nationalist agenda that undermines civil rights enforcement and redefines citizenship in exclusionary ways.
Martin Wolf, a Financial Times columnist, refers to this potential alliance as a sign of the development of "pluto-populism." Arjun Appadurai, an anthropologist, sees the success of Trumpian populism as a revolt by ordinary Americans against the elites.
The new elite is converging around a common agenda: to rid the federal government of Democratic "insiders." Kash Patel, a candidate for head of the FBI, has written a book advocating for "purges" to bring elite Democrats to justice. The appointment of Russell Vought as head of the Office of Management and Budget at the White House highlights the hard turn the Trump administration is likely to take.
This political project is less about challenging elitism in general than attacking a specific elite: one particular to liberal democracies. The re-election of Trump, his denial of defeat in the 2020 presidential vote, growing political hostility, and the direct involvement of tech tycoons in political communication further reinforce the denial of democratic elitism.
However, this entrenchment and elevation of certain elites pose significant risks to justice and truth in American democratic life. The Trump administration has actively promoted conspiracy theories about voter fraud and denied the legitimacy of the 2020 election. At least four cabinet members are election deniers, and Trump’s pardons of January 6 rioters effectively green-light future political violence, weakening norms against insurrection and threatening the peaceful transfer of power.
Trump’s second term is also marked by increased profiteering tied to his businesses, with significant foreign visits to Trump properties and new developments overseas. His administration appears to shape foreign policy and government decisions to favor his personal financial interests, eroding ethical standards.
The consolidation of elite power, the undermining of justice and electoral integrity, corruption, and conflicts of interest, declining popular support, and political polarization are all signs of a weakening of the foundational principles of American democracy. These trends risk undermining transparency, accountability, and social cohesion, potentially leading to the erosion of the very principles that underpin American democracy.
Sources:
- Pew Research Center
- The Guardian
- Brennan Center for Justice
- The Atlantic
- ProPublica
Policy-and-legislation surrounding the 2020 presidential election has become centered around the denial of defeat and election fraud, with at least four cabinet members serving as election deniers. This politics, driven by the Trump administration, has consequences that threaten the peaceful transfer of power and the foundation of American democracy (The Guardian, The Atlantic, Brennan Center for Justice, ProPublica).
The growing corporate-nationalist agenda, which undermines civil rights enforcement and redefines citizenship in exclusionary ways, has been pushed by the new political elite, including Kash Patel, a candidate for head of the FBI, who advocates for "purges" to bring elite Democrats to justice (Financial Times). This elite's actions and policies pose significant risks to justice, truth, and democratic life in the United States (Pew Research Center).
