"The Trump administration's second term is a masterclass in how to erode democratic norms while maintaining a veneer of legality. It's like watching a magician saw a woman in half—except the woman is the Constitution, and the magician is unapologetically telling you it's for your own good."
— Anonymous, 2025.
Since taking office for a second term in January 2025, President Donald Trump has implemented numerous policies and actions that align with tactics commonly associated with authoritarian regimes. These measures have raised concerns among legal experts, political analysts, and civil rights organizations about the erosion of democratic norms and institutions in the United States. Below is a comprehensive overview of these developments.
Justice Department as a Tool for Retaliation: President Trump has asserted greater control over the Department of Justice (DOJ), directing it to investigate political opponents, including former President Joe Biden and his aides, alleging concealment of Biden’s mental decline. This move undermines the traditional independence of the DOJ and raises concerns about using federal law enforcement for political purposes.
Targeting Legal Professionals: The administration has revoked security clearances of several lawyers who have been involved in investigations or litigation against Trump, including those associated with the Mueller investigation. Additionally, Executive Order 14250 targeted the law firm WilmerHale, restricting its access to federal contracts and facilities, citing its prior association with Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
Control Over Independent Agencies: Trump has issued executive orders to bring independent federal agencies, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), under direct presidential control. This centralization of power diminishes the checks and balances designed to prevent executive overreach.
Defiance of Judicial Authority: The administration has shown a willingness to ignore or defy court rulings. For instance, in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongfully deported and remains imprisoned in El Salvador despite court orders mandating his return, Trump justified the deportation by asserting Garcia's MS-13 affiliation based on dubious evidence.
Executive Order 14149: Titled "Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship," this order prohibits federal agencies from collaborating with external entities to moderate or remove content on social media platforms. Critics argue that this move hampers efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation online.
Media Intimidation: Former Washington Post executive editor Marty Baron has expressed concerns that media owners are increasingly fearful of retaliation from President Trump, leading to self-censorship and cautious editorial decisions to avoid being targeted by the administration.
Reinstatement of Travel Bans: The administration has reinstated travel bans targeting citizens from 12 countries, including Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Myanmar, citing national security concerns. This move echoes the earlier "Muslim ban" and reflects a hardline stance on immigration.
Executive Order 14190: This order prohibits K-12 schools from teaching materials considered anti-American or subversive, including content promoting "gender ideology" or critical race theory. It also directs law enforcement to investigate and prosecute educators who facilitate the social transition of transgender minors, framing such actions as criminal offenses.
Pardoning January 6 Insurrectionists: President Trump has expressed intentions to pardon many individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot, including members of far-right groups like the Proud Boys. This stance signals a willingness to excuse or even endorse political violence.
Efforts to Disrupt Voting: The administration and its allies have supported legislation to ban alternative voting methods in several states, a move critics argue suppresses voter representation and choice.
Purging the Federal Bureaucracy: The administration has initiated efforts to reclassify tens of thousands of civil service workers as at-will employees, making it easier to dismiss them. This move aims to remove individuals deemed disloyal and replace them with Trump loyalists, undermining the nonpartisan nature of the civil service.
Dismantling DEI Programs: Through a series of executive orders, the administration has dismantled diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies, leading to the termination of employees involved in such programs and the removal of DEI-related content from official materials.
Support for Illiberal Leaders: President Trump and his allies have expressed admiration for and aligned themselves with authoritarian leaders abroad, including Russia's Vladimir Putin and Hungary's Viktor Orbán. This alignment reflects a departure from traditional U.S. support for democratic institutions globally.
In March 2025, President Trump issued an executive order mandating all federal agencies to share sensitive personal data with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This initiative aims to consolidate information across departments, creating comprehensive profiles of American citizens. The administration enlisted Palantir Technologies, known for its data analytics capabilities, to manage this centralized database.
Critics, including the ACLU and the Center for Democracy and Technology, have raised concerns that this move could lead to the weaponization of personal data against vulnerable populations, such as immigrants and political activists. The potential for wide-ranging surveillance capabilities is troubling, as it would enable agencies to create comprehensive profiles on individuals based on their interactions with government services. This centralization of data may also be used to influence electoral outcomes by targeting specific demographics.
The Trump administration has implemented new hiring guidelines that require federal job applicants to demonstrate ideological alignment with the President's policies. Under the revived Schedule F and the newly introduced Merit Hiring Plan, applicants for positions at the GS-5 level and above must submit four essays. Two of these essays focus on the applicant's commitment to the U.S. Constitution and their support for President Trump's executive orders and policy priorities.
This approach has been criticized as a de facto loyalty test, potentially undermining the neutrality of the civil service. By prioritizing political allegiance over merit, the administration risks entrenching partisanship within federal staffing, which could have long-term implications for governance and public trust.
Acceptance of a $400 Million Jet from Qatar: President Trump is preparing to accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar to serve as Air Force One during his term, with plans to transfer ownership to his presidential library foundation afterward. This unprecedented gift has raised legal and ethical questions, particularly regarding the Constitution's Emoluments Clause, which prohibits federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional approval.
High-Priced Fundraising Events and Cryptocurrency Ventures: The Trump administration has engaged in fundraising activities that blur the lines between public office and private gain. Notably, a "Crypto & AI Innovators" dinner hosted by Trump carried a $1.5 million per-person price tag, with proceeds benefiting his super PAC. Additionally, the promotion of Trump-branded cryptocurrencies and associated events has drawn criticism for potential conflicts of interest and lack of transparency.
Trump Family Business Ventures in the Middle East: Members of the Trump family have pursued business deals in the Middle East that coincide with U.S. foreign policy interests. For instance, the Trump Organization has engaged in luxury real estate projects in Qatar and Dubai, while Jared Kushner secured a $2 billion investment from a Saudi sovereign wealth fund shortly after leaving his White House advisory role.
Cryptocurrency Transactions with Foreign Entities: A company controlled by the UAE's ruling family agreed to a $2 billion transaction using a stablecoin launched by Trump's sons. This arrangement has sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the intertwining of private business ventures with national policy.
Dismissal of Inspectors General: In a significant move, President Trump dismissed at least 17 independent watchdogs across various federal agencies. These inspectors general play a crucial role in maintaining government accountability and transparency. Their abrupt removal has raised alarms about the administration's commitment to oversight and the potential for unchecked executive power.
Politicization of Intelligence Oversight: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard appointed a top adviser to a key watchdog office amid an investigation into high-level communications about potential military actions. This move has been criticized for compromising the independence of oversight mechanisms and potentially obstructing impartial investigations.
Business Interests in Post-Conflict Gaza: Reports suggest that President Trump views the reconstruction of Gaza as a business opportunity, with proposals for developments like a "Trump Tower" in the region. Critics argue that such ventures commodify humanitarian crises and prioritize personal gain over genuine aid and recovery efforts.
These actions collectively represent a significant shift in the governance of the United States, raising alarms about the potential establishment of authoritarian rule. The expansion of surveillance capabilities and the politicization of the civil service are indicative of strategies employed by authoritarian regimes to maintain control and suppress dissent. The consolidation of power, suppression of dissent, targeting of marginalized groups, and undermining of democratic institutions are hallmarks of authoritarian regimes, and their presence in current U.S. policy warrants close scrutiny and robust public discourse.
The cover picture for this article is AI-generated.