Rapid Democratic Backsliding in the United States Under Trump

The latest Democracy Report from the V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg highlights a significant and unprecedented decline in democracy in the United States, particularly during the second term of President Donald Trump. The report indicates that the U.S. has experienced a rapid autocratization process, with its democracy score plummeting from 0.8 to 0.57, dropping the country from the top 20 to the 51st position globally. This regression marks a return to levels of democracy not seen since 1965, the year the Voting Rights Act was passed.

Slate

Several factors contribute to this decline. The Republican-controlled Congress has largely relinquished its legislative authority, allowing Trump to utilize executive orders to implement sweeping policy changes. This shift has effectively concentrated power within the presidency, undermining the checks and balances that are fundamental to democratic governance. Additionally, Trump has been accused of undermining the judicial system, notably through the pardoning of individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, insurrection and by attacking judges who rule against him.

Slate

Freedom of expression has seen a drastic decline, with the V-Dem report noting that the U.S. now ranks lower in this area than at any point since World War II. Trump's administration has been characterized by aggressive actions against dissent, including the deployment of federal troops to cities governed by Democrats and threats against peaceful protesters. Furthermore, Trump has targeted media organizations, attempting to suppress unfavorable coverage and suggesting that criticism of his administration could be illegal.

Slate

The speed of democratic backsliding in the U.S. is alarming when compared to other nations. The report states that the current trajectory of U.S. autocratization outpaces not only Trump's first term but also that of other prominent autocrats, including Russia's Vladimir Putin and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This rapid decline is unusual, as democratic erosion typically occurs gradually over years or decades.

Slate

The report also notes that nearly a quarter of the world's nations are experiencing democratic backsliding, with significant declines observed in influential countries such as Italy and the United Kingdom. Staffan I Lindberg, the report's lead author, emphasizes the potential global ramifications of these trends, as powerful nations reshape international norms and organizations.

U.S. Faces Unprecedented Democratic Backslide

Staffan I Lindberg remarked, “The current U.S. administration has been undercutting institutionalized checks and balances, politicizing civil service and oversight bodies, and intimidating the judiciary.” He also indicated that the upcoming 2026 midterm elections will serve as a critical test for the quality of democracy in the U.S.

U.S. Faces Unprecedented Democratic Backslide

Critics of the Trump administration argue that the concentration of power and the erosion of democratic norms pose a significant threat to the future of American democracy. Observers point to the need for sustained public mobilization to counteract these trends, as seen in recent protests against mass deportation efforts.

Slate

The 2026 midterm elections are anticipated to be pivotal for assessing the state of democracy in the United States. Should indicators of democratic health continue to decline, the U.S. could face further deterioration in its democratic standing.

U.S. Faces Unprecedented Democratic Backslide

• “The scale and speed of autocratization under the Trump administration are unprecedented in modern times,” — V-Dem Institute

Slate

• “In modern US history, there has never been an attack on free expression quite like Donald Trump’s,” — Aryeh Neier, co-founder of Human Rights Watch

Slate

• “Lots of people out protesting in the streets is one of the most effective ways to stop autocratization.” — Staffan I Lindberg, V-Dem Institute

Slate