The Erosion of Democracy Under Trump’s Second Term

In the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term, significant actions have been taken to consolidate authority, raising alarms about the state of American democracy. Critics argue that Trump has dismantled federal agencies, purged civil service positions, and sidelined Congress, leading to a system described by some scholars as "competitive authoritarianism." Prominent political scientists Steven Levitsky, Daniel Ziblatt, and Lucan Way contend that the U.S. has shifted from being a full democracy to a flawed or illiberal one, with ratings of democratic health dropping significantly according to surveys from Bright Line Watch and the Century Foundation.

American democracy on the brink a year after Trump’s election, experts say

Data indicates a staggering 28% collapse in democratic health over the past year, with experts rating U.S. democracy at 54 out of 100, closer to illiberal regimes than to its G7 peers. The sense of alarm is particularly pronounced among those familiar with democratic backsliding in other nations. Reports from former intelligence professionals suggest that the U.S. is on a trajectory toward authoritarian rule, a sentiment echoed by the ACLU, which has filed over 200 legal challenges against Trump’s administration, achieving a nearly 65% success rate.

American democracy on the brink a year after Trump’s election, experts say

While some scholars caution against overly pessimistic assessments, noting that democracy indices can amplify alarm, others highlight the unprecedented nature of Trump’s actions. Critics emphasize the president's close ties with tech billionaires and his administration's aggressive responses to dissent, including threats to deploy the National Guard to polling places during the upcoming 2026 midterms. Concerns have been raised about potential intimidation tactics, with legal experts noting that such actions would violate federal laws prohibiting military interference in elections.

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Public sentiment appears to be shifting against Trump, particularly among Latino voters, whose support has declined significantly due to dissatisfaction with economic conditions and immigration policies. Protests against Trump's authoritarian tendencies have surged, with millions participating in rallies to defend democratic norms. The Democratic Party has gained momentum, winning key elections in 2025 and positioning itself to challenge Trump’s authority in the upcoming midterms.

American democracy on the brink a year after Trump’s election, experts say

The White House has dismissed claims of authoritarianism as "deeply unserious," asserting that Trump was elected to restore law and order and dismantle a corrupt federal bureaucracy. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated, “President Trump was resoundingly re-elected by the American people based on his America First agenda,” framing his actions as a fulfillment of campaign promises.

American democracy on the brink a year after Trump’s election, experts say

Looking ahead, experts warn that Trump’s assault on democratic norms may intensify as the 2026 midterms approach. The potential for political violence and the weaponization of government agencies against opponents remain pressing concerns. The upcoming elections will serve as a critical test for American democracy, with the possibility of further erosion if Democrats fail to regain control of Congress.

American democracy on the brink a year after Trump’s election, experts say

• “In 2025, the United States ceased to be a full democracy in the way that Canada, Germany or even Argentina are democracies,” — Steven Levitsky, Political Scientist

American democracy on the brink a year after Trump’s election, experts say

• “The survival of democracy depends on people believing in its continued viability and fighting to defend it.” — Brendan Nyhan, Political Scientist

American democracy on the brink a year after Trump’s election, experts say

• “Autocrats try to convince us that we’re hopeless and helpless.” — Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Historian

American democracy on the brink a year after Trump’s election, experts say

• “We judge the moment we’re in not by examining the president’s actions alone, but by evaluating the system’s response to those provocations as well,” — Ben Wizner, ACLU Deputy Legal Director

American democracy on the brink a year after Trump’s election, experts say

The current political climate reflects a critical juncture for the United States, where the resilience of its democratic institutions will be tested against the backdrop of Trump’s controversial presidency.

American democracy on the brink a year after Trump’s election, experts say