Story perspectives

Experts Warn: U.S. Democracy at Risk Under Trump

10/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

The United States faces a troubling path toward authoritarianism under President Donald Trump.
Nicholas Grossman, an international relations professor, notes existential challenges, including Trump testing norms and deploying National Guard troops.
A recent assessment by former intelligence officials cites the United States moving toward competitive authoritarianism.
Public opinion shifts toward strong leadership that bypasses democratic processes.
Experts warn that without organized resistance, democracy could erode.

History

Historical Context

The rise of competitive authoritarianism in the U.S. gained momentum with Donald Trump's election in 2016, reflecting a broader trend of authoritarian values among voters. Political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt noted that 30% of Americans favored strongman leadership. This shift threatens democratic institutions, as evidenced by Trump's governance and the deployment of the National Guard, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic norms.

1 of 2

Story summary

The United States faces a troubling path toward authoritarianism under President Donald Trump.
Nicholas Grossman, an international relations professor, notes existential challenges, including Trump testing norms and deploying National Guard troops.
A recent assessment by former intelligence officials cites the United States moving toward competitive authoritarianism.
Public opinion shifts toward strong leadership that bypasses democratic processes.
Experts warn that without organized resistance, democracy could erode.

1 / 2