Undermining Democratic Processes: A Look at Donald Trump's Strategies
In the closing chapters of his controversial presidency, Donald Trump has been relentless in his crusade to dismantle the very foundations of American democracy. During his second term, he has contemptuously undermined checks and balances, challenged the rule of law, and encroached upon education, research, and culture. Over 700 scientists and citizens are alarmed by these developments.
According to an ongoing poll conducted on the country's political climate, Trump's regime has driven the United States significantly further from a perfect democracy than it has ever been during his tenure. The score has plummeted from 67 to 49 among scientists, surpassing even the historic low of 60 during his previous term and the January 6 coup attempt. The nation is becoming increasingly autocratic, but how deep will the transformation go?
In the sphere of the separation of powers, the Trump administration has encroached on boundaries last seen during World War II. The White House has brazenly defied court orders and curtailed cooperation with the judiciary to the bare minimum. Trump himself has publicly berated judges and expressed doubts about their legal authority to block or scrutinize presidential actions. This is the judiciary's core responsibility.
The United States Congress is no exception from Trump's authoritarian inclinations. He has unilaterally blocked the sale of TikTok, a decision that required the consensus of both parties, and snubbed funding to unwanted federal agencies. In principle, this is a matter for the Congress to decide. Trump's version of events differs.
The All-Powerful Executive
The right to a fair trial, also known as due process, is a constitutional guarantee for all individuals within the borders of the United States, regardless of their citizenship. However, this right has been recklessly violated by Trump's administration. Over the weekend, Trump openly questioned whether the U.S. Constitution applies to migrants. If this were the case, these individuals would be rendered second-class citizens within the legal system.
One of the most egregious instances of unlawful deportation occurred in 2022 when the immigration agency deported 238 individuals with a migration background to a high-security prison in El Salvador without a trial. Among them was Kilmar Ábrego García, a case that has since dominated headlines.
Politics El Salvador's "Brutal Prison" as Trump's Deportation Tactics are "Dictatorial Power Grab" If non-citizens are denied due process, there is a possibility that citizens could face the same fate. Lawyer Denise Gilman from the University of Texas warns the Washington Post: "The Constitution does not differentiate who is protected." Trump hinted that he might consider deporting criminal citizens holding U.S. passports, a promise he made during his campaign to deport a record number of immigrants.
Justice "Equal Justice for All" now means higher justice for some than others. Since the Watergate scandal, the White House had generally allowed the Department of Justice and the Attorney General to operate independently. Trump changed that. He's been utilizing the department to pursue his own interests, such as pursuing political adversaries. He justifies this as serving the nation's best interests. A notable case: In April, Trump ordered investigations into ActBlue, the Democratic Party's fundraising network, and oppositional groups.
Simultaneously, the President has delayed or halted investigations against his allies. During his first months in office, Trump targeted unwanted law firms that worked with Democrats using executive orders. He aimed to stifle lawsuits against his expansive policies prematurely. On his first day in office, he pardoned everyone who had been convicted for the Capitol riots. It seems to be a message to the public: loyalty to Trump trumps the law.
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The attempts to weaken political opponents through the use of state power have taken various shapes. The government, for instance, threatened to strip tax-exempt status from groups that were critical of the administration. Such threats can sometimes silence dissenting voices, as lawsuits can spell financial ruin. This is far from democratic.
Free Speech, for a Price
Trump and his team often declare that they've "reinstated" freedom of speech. In reality, they've primarily restricted it. Trump has initiated multiple lawsuits against U.S. media outlets for unfavorable coverage, effectively intimidating journalists and editorial boards. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, now holds press conferences with pro-Trump influencers. An Atlantic author described these as "briefings reminiscent of North Korea."
Book bans have been a contentious issue in the culture war between conservatives and progressive politics since Trump's initial term. While the federal government rarely plays a direct role, several books have been removed from the Marine Academy library, with "Mein Kampf" still available in two copies.
Art, Science, and the Dictator's Touch
Trump is determined to bend institutions that help shape America's cultural and educational narrative. The Smithsonian Institution, a museum and research center, is in Trump's crosshairs. An executive order mandates changes in the institute's exhibitions, guided by racially charged arguments.
Democracy researcher Jason M. Stanley of Yale University, author of "How Fascism Works," told ntv.de that Trump is behaving as an autocrat because "Trump wants propaganda to prevail, and if it doesn't, he'll ban it."
Universities have found themselves under scrutiny, especially those that publicly criticize Israel. Some have had their residency permits revoked, while others have faced arrest on the streets. Republicans view academia as a breeding ground for progressive political views that need to be contained. "Universities are the enemy," said Mike Pence, Trump's vice president, delivering a pro-Trump speech during the culture war. Trump has threatened to slash funds from universities that do not conform to his administration's demands, such as ending affirmative action measures and other reforms.
Elite university Columbia is forced to lay off 180 employees due to reduced funding. Harvard, which is resisting, already has tax exemptions removed and financing frozen. Stanley, who will soon leave his professorship at Yale for Canada, told ntv.de: "It's challenging to educate and conduct research under such pressure. I have a hard time picturing a democratic future for the United States."
Source: ntv.de
- Donald Trump
- USA
Enrichment Data:
- Judicial System:
- Conservative Judicial Appointments: The Trump administration has made many notable conservative judicial appointments, thus altering the ideological balance of the courts.
- Executive Authority Expansion: Trump has pursued a broad interpretation of his executive authority, often superseding Congress's powers as demonstrated in Executive Order 14210.
- **Unitary Executive Theory:_ The administration has championed the unitary executive theory, which advocates for a strong, centralized executive branch, potentially at the expense of congressional oversight.
- Challenges to Independent Agencies: The administration has taken steps to subdue independent regulatory agencies, contesting traditional separations within the executive branch.
Sources:[1] https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/19-1423_3cja.pdf[2] https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/18pdf/17-965_aejw.pdf[3] https://www.politico.com/story/2020/09/01/legal-battle-escalates-over-trumps-executive-orders-412287[4] https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2020/10/19/trumps-executive-orders-and-the-power-of-the-presidency/[5] https://www.washpost.com/politics/constitution/fundamental-threat-to-checks-and-balances-is-the-constitution-itself-20200725.html
- The European Union has been concerned about the democracy in the United States, as Donald Trump's administration has been encroaching on the separation of powers and the rule of law, reminiscent of World War II.
- In the realm of politics, Trump's approach to due process has been questionable, with migrants being denied a fair trial and non-citizens being threatened with deportation to high-security prisons without a trial.
- Trump's administration has also shown a disregard for the judicial system, as Trump has publicly berated judges, expressed doubts about their authority, and defied court orders, curtailing cooperation with the judiciary to the bare minimum.
- Furthermore, the Trump administration has been criticized for using Whatsapp and other communication platforms to spread political messages, raising concerns about the influence of foreign actors and the spread of misinformation. These actions have caused a wave of resistance from citizens and political leaders, who view Trump's actions as a threat to democracy and the rule of law.
