The Emergence of a Counter-Establishment Elite in American Politics: Trump's Successor Movement
In the new Trump Administration, the conspiracy theory of a "deep state" subverting general interest has gained prominence. This political project, often referred to as Trumpism, is not a new form of revolt against democracy but a contemporary expression of it. The idea of democracy being betrayed by "the revolt of the elites" is not unfamiliar, and Trump's populism fits squarely within this category [1].
The anti-elite elite, led by Trump loyalists, defends a straightforward political program: rid democracy of the "deep state." This group, relying on Project 2025, a comprehensive plan for deconstructing the administrative state and imposing loyalty to it on federal civil servants, seeks to transform the U.S. political landscape [2].
Arjun Appadurai identifies the 21st century as characterized by the "revolt of the elites," explaining the rise of populist autocracies and the election successes of populist leaders in consolidated democracies [3]. The political project of the Trumpist camp implies a rise of elites who operate with diminished concern for justice and truth, using authoritarian, populist, and illiberal tactics that circumvent democratic norms [2].
This leads to a political environment where allegiance to Trump, rather than adherence to truth or democratic principles, becomes the primary litmus test for power and influence. As a result, elites leverage falsehoods, scapegoating, and anti-democratic rhetoric to maintain control, unbound by conventional accountability to justice or truth [2].
Key implications of this shift include the erosion of democratic institutions, the cultivation of a new elite detached from truth and justice, and the polarization of politics based on loyalty over policy or facts [1][2][4]. Trumpism is associated with anti-democratic tendencies, such as refusing to accept electoral outcomes and inciting actions like the January 6 Capitol attack, signaling a disregard for the rule of law and democratic processes [1].
The Trumpist political project risks transforming the U.S. into an illiberal democracy similar to Hungary or Turkey, where formal democratic institutions exist but are undermined by authoritarian leadership and elite plutocracy [1][4]. The rise of Trumpist elites represents a challenge to democratic governance by enabling a class of leaders who govern through misinformation, loyalty cultism, and undermining of institutional norms, diminishing the role of justice and truth in political life [1][2][4].
Interestingly, the political project of the Trumpist camp is less about challenging elitism in general than attacking a specific elite associated with liberal democracies. The anti-elitism of the Trump elite is inspired by Reagan's diagnosis that government is the problem. Following Trump's victory in November, a new elite has ousted the despised Democratic elite that had occupied the White House for nearly four years [4].
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 [4]. Trump's second term has elevated elites who are politically loyal to him, and the new political elite intends to implement an ambitious program to transform the federal government [4]. The "alter elite" aims to replace both Democratic elites and moderate Republicans [4].
The re-election of Trump and growing political hostility have further reinforced the denial of democratic elitism. The new Trumpian elite is characterized by a facade of unity held together by political loyalty to Trump [4]. A notable figure in this elite is Elon Musk, who is being considered for a role leading a proposed "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) by the President [5]. Kash Patel, a candidate to head the FBI, has written a book advocating for "purges" to bring elite Democrats to justice [5].
In conclusion, the rise of the Trumpist elite presents a significant challenge to democratic governance in the U.S. by promoting a political environment where allegiance to Trump and disregard for democratic principles become the norm. This shift undermines the role of truth and justice in political life and risks transforming the U.S. into an illiberal democracy.
- The Trumpist camp, led by their anti-elite elite, has proposed a political program aimed at ridding democracy of the 'deep state', as part of their comprehensive policy-and-legislation plan like Project 2025, which seeks to restructure the administrative state and instill loyalty within federal civil servants, thereby impacting the general-news landscape of the U.S.
- The rise of the Trumpist elite, characterized by a denial of democratic elitism, has culminated in a political environment where allegiance to Trump takes precedence over adherence to truth or democratic principles, thus eroding democratic institutions and cultivating a new elite detached from truth and justice, as implied by the polarization of politics based on loyalty over policy or facts.
