Trump's Stealthy Assault on Democracy: Congress, Courts, Education, and Research Under Fire
Undermining Democratic Institutions: Trump's Strategies Revealed
In a highly-contested scenario, President Donald Trump continues his assault on democracy in the United States. As his second term begins, he's been blatantly weakening the separation of powers, executive control, equal rights, freedom of speech, and academic integrity. Over 700 scientists and concerned citizens are voicing their concerns over this.
A survey quantifying the political system's health in the U.S., rating democracies from 0 (dictatorship) to 100 (perfect democracy), has revealed a worrying trend - a drop from 67 to 49 as of Trump's second term. Even during Trump's first term and Jan. 6, 2021's coup attempt, the value didn't fall below 60. It seems the U.S. is inexorably creeping towards an autocratic system. But is it irreversible?
Trump's administration has transgressed borders in the separation of powers like no president since World War II. The administration flouts court orders or minimizes cooperation with them. Trump frequently lambasts judges, claiming they have no authority to restrict his actions. However, as a cornerstone of democracy, it's the judiciary's role to keep the president in check.
The Congress has received similar treatment from Trump. He's blocked the sale of the Social Media platform TikTok, a move approved by both parties, and slashed funding for unwanted agencies. Such decisions should be left to the Congress according to the Constitution. Trump, evidently, holds a different opinion.
Trial by Tabloid: The Right to a Fair Trial
The U.S. Constitution guarantees a fair trial for every person within its borders, regardless of citizenship. Unfortunately, Trump's administration has repeatedly violated this principle. Over the weekend, Trump publicly speculated whether the Constitution applies to migrants. Such a statement would make non-citizens second-class citizens in the legal system.
One of the most egregious violations occurred when the immigration agency deported 238 individuals of migrant backgrounds to a high-security prison in Central America without a trial. Among them was Kilmar Ábrego García. His story has since captured public attention.
Justice for the Prized Few
"Equal justice for all" appears to be a misnomer. Since the Watergate scandal, the White House had generally allowed its Department of Justice and Attorney General to act independently. Trump has upended this. He uses the department to serve his interests, such as going after political adversaries. He justifies this claiming it benefits the country. A prominent example: In April, Trump ordered an investigation into ActBlue, the Democratic Party's fundraising network, and opposing groups.
Meanwhile, Trump's allies have been given a free pass. In his first months, the president targeted law firms working with Democrats through executive orders, attempting to quell lawsuits against his impactful policies. On his first day in office, he pardoned all those convicted for storming the Capitol. This sends a message to society: loyalty to Trump is more important than the law.
Free Speech, But for Himself
Trump and his team often boast about fighting for free speech. However, they have predominantly limited it. Trump has sued various U.S. media outlets for unwanted coverage, aiming to intimidate journalists and editorial boards. The White House spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, now conducts press rounds with pro-Trump influencers, described by an "Atlantic" author as "a briefing straight out of North Korea".
Book bans have been a contentious issue in the conservative culture war against progressive politics since Trump's first term. Racist arguments have been used to justify the removal of books from military libraries, effectively silencing ideas that challenge oppressive ideologies.
Culture and Research under Fire
Trump is attempting to bring the renowned Smithsonian Institution into line. As the operator of the Washington museum row, as well as a research and educational institution, the Smithsonian serves as the nexus of U.S. historical writing. In a decree, Trump has ordered new curations of exhibitions, laced with racist arguments.
Democracy researcher Jason Stanley of Yale University argues that Trump's authoritarianism lies in part in his desire to enforce "patriotic art," stating, "Trump wants to see only patriotic art, and if it's not, he wants to ban it."
The administration, in particular, has targeted migrants at universities who have publicly criticized Israel. Some have faced revoked residence permits, while others have been arrested on the street. The Republicans view schools and, especially, academia as a breeding ground for progressive politics that needs to be controlled. "Universities are the enemy," Trump's current vice president, JD Vance, once declared during a speech on the conservative culture war. Trump has threatened to withhold funds from some universities if they fail to report students and comply with government demands to end affirmative action and other restructuring measures.
The elite university, Columbia, has been forced to let go of 180 employees due to reduced funding. Harvard, fighting the status quo, has already had its tax exemptions revoked and funding frozen. Stanley has decided to leave his professorship at Yale and move to Canada, stating, "I find it very difficult to see a democratic future in this country."
Sources: ntv.de, Washington Post
- Donald Trump
- USA
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The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has been accused of:
- Expansion of Presidential Power: Trump's administration is suspected of expanding presidential authority, often bypassing Congress through executive actions and orders.
- Independent Agencies: Trump's administration conducted a significant purge of independent agencies, firing employees with civil service protections, which undermines the independence of these bodies.
- Freedom of Speech: Trump's administration has targeted perceived enemies in the press and restricted free speech through hostile rhetoric and legal actions.
- Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Trump's administration sought to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the federal government, which undermines equal opportunities and representation.
- Racial Bias: Trump's administration has shown a clear bias towards white nationalist views, often emphasizing racist arguments, particular in the realm of historical art and exhibits.
- Immigration: Trump's immigration policies have raised concerns about equal treatment under the law, with reports of deportations without trial and restrictions on Due Process for immigrants.
In the context of global politics and general news, it's worth noting that the European Union is watching the developments within the United States with concern, as the actions of President Donald Trump's administration, such as the expansion of presidential power, the independent agencies purge, and freedom of speech restrictions, mirror the EU's own struggles with democratic values.
Moreover, the European Union, with its strong commitment to academic integrity, is grappling with the issue of equal treatment for migrants pursuing higher education in the U.S., as the administration's actions against these individuals echo the EU's debate on the integration of immigrants within higher education institutions.
