Democracy in America faces crisis after Trump’s second term

Published: 21 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

American democracy has faced unprecedented challenges since Donald Trump assumed office last year, with experts warning that the country teeters on the edge of authoritarianism. Scholars and political analysts note that democratic norms have been undermined rapidly, signaling alarming declines in institutional checks and public trust. The focus on democracy highlights how the United States’ political system has experienced concentrated executive power, threats to free speech, and diminished judicial independence within only twelve months of Trump’s second term.

Trump’s administration has systematically dismantled federal oversight, reduced the influence of independent agencies, and sidelined congressional authority. From firing inspectors general to curbing dissenting voices in academia, the president has implemented sweeping measures that critics argue weaken American democracy. Federal force deployments in urban centres, coupled with aggressive immigration policies, have intensified perceptions of authoritarian governance, sparking domestic and international concern. Scholars point to the unusual speed and breadth of these actions as a departure from historical presidential precedent.

Harvard political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, alongside University of Toronto expert Lucan Way, describe the United States’ current trajectory as “competitive authoritarianism,” where elections persist but institutional safeguards are eroded. They argue that Trump’s consolidation of power—combining legislative circumvention with executive overreach—illustrates a systemic shift away from democratic accountability. Observers emphasize that while democracy indices once rated the U.S. highly, recent assessments show a troubling decline in political rights and civil liberties.

Data from Bright Line Watch, a nonpartisan democracy-monitoring initiative, reveals that American democracy scored only 54 out of 100 in late 2025, a marked drop from previous years. Similarly, the Century Foundation’s analysis documented a 28% collapse in democratic health within a single year, highlighting the fragility of systems long considered resilient. Nate Schenkkan, the study’s lead author, explained that authoritarian tendencies emerge unevenly, often first affecting vulnerable communities, and underscored the importance of early detection and civic engagement.

Critics argue that Trump’s political strategy extends beyond conventional executive authority, leveraging relationships with wealthy technology magnates to influence governance. Elon Musk’s appointment to oversee government efficiency, known informally as Doge, granted unprecedented private sector access to federal systems. Experts describe this fusion of corporate and governmental power as an innovation in autocratic playbooks, facilitating the rapid implementation of structural changes while bypassing established democratic safeguards.

Beyond executive maneuvers, the administration has undermined social services while enacting broad workforce reductions. Tens of thousands of federal employees, including scientists and researchers, departed or were dismissed, straining public institutions. Analysts highlight that typical authoritarian regimes often reinforce support networks while restricting political freedoms; Trump’s approach diverges, actively weakening social programs and leaving key demographics politically exposed. These policy decisions have intensified debates over the erosion of public trust and the survival of democratic institutions.

Legal and civic resistance has emerged as a counterweight to Trump’s measures. Organizations like the ACLU have successfully challenged numerous executive policies, maintaining a roughly 65% success rate in delaying or overturning federal actions. Judicial oversight, while challenged, remains a critical barrier against unchecked executive power, reflecting that democratic erosion is neither inevitable nor irreversible. Brendan Nyhan, political scientist at Dartmouth College, emphasizes that public engagement, protests, and voter participation are vital tools to safeguard democracy.

Public sentiment also reflects growing concern. Opinion polls indicate that a majority of Americans view Trump’s first year as detrimental to economic stability and political norms. Grassroots initiatives, such as “No Kings” rallies, have mobilized citizens to actively observe enforcement activities, illustrating how civic activism can counterbalance authoritarian pressures. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party’s performance in off-year elections demonstrates that institutional checks and voter influence remain tangible instruments of democratic resilience.

Despite these developments, Trump’s rhetoric continues to challenge traditional democratic principles. Threats to invoke the Insurrection Act, attempts to manipulate election procedures, and public comments questioning the necessity of future elections have amplified domestic anxieties. Experts warn that such maneuvers, if unchecked, risk normalizing executive overreach and eroding confidence in electoral integrity. Analysts stress the importance of institutional vigilance and civic participation to prevent the entrenchment of autocratic tendencies.

Internationally, allies have expressed unease regarding Trump’s approach, including territorial ambitions and unilateral policy decisions. These actions not only affect global relations but also illustrate how domestic political shifts can reverberate worldwide. Political scholars assert that maintaining democratic norms requires sustained oversight, institutional independence, and active citizen engagement to resist the consolidation of power.

Ultimately, the survival of American democracy depends on the balance between executive authority, civic accountability, and legal constraints. While the Trump administration has accelerated pressures on institutions, history shows that democratic backsliding is reversible when citizens and policymakers respond decisively. Scholars caution that complacency risks deepening democratic decline, yet assert that informed engagement and vigilant oversight remain effective defenses against authoritarian drift. American democracy, though challenged, continues to rely on the electorate’s participation and the judiciary’s enforcement of constitutional norms.

Check our latest news