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Trump's Turmoil: Four Threats to Democracy Unveiled

1/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

David Brooks, a New York Times columnist, argues that U.S. President Donald Trump’s behavior pushes the world toward significant turmoil.
He identifies four unraveling areas: the international order; domestic peace; democratic integrity; and the president's mental state.
Brooks says Trump's narcissism intensifies over time, increasing violence and tyranny.
Still, he says U.S. institutions can forestall collapse, though risks linger because of Trump's unstable psyche.

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Story summary

David Brooks, a New York Times columnist, argues that U.S. President Donald Trump’s behavior pushes the world toward significant turmoil.
He identifies four unraveling areas: the international order; domestic peace; democratic integrity; and the president's mental state.
Brooks says Trump's narcissism intensifies over time, increasing violence and tyranny.
Still, he says U.S. institutions can forestall collapse, though risks linger because of Trump's unstable psyche.