Trump’s Presidency Poses Risks To Democracy, NYT Identifies 12 Concerns

The New York Times Editorial Board has issued a strong warning about the increasing threats to democratic norms in the United States under President Donald Trump, asserting that no previous U.S. president has exercised power in the way he currently does.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In its editorial titled “Are We Losing Our Democracy?”, the board accused Trump of repeatedly acting “in defiance of the law” and cautioned that the nation is inching closer to authoritarian tendencies.

The editorial outlines 12 indicators of democratic erosion, each supported by detailed analysis, highlighting that many of these warning signs are already visible in the American political landscape. While emphasizing that the U.S. is not yet comparable to autocracies like Russia or China, the board warned that democratic backsliding can accelerate once it begins.

“Our country is still not close to being a true autocracy, in the mold of Russia or China. But once countries begin taking steps away from democracy, the march often continues. We offer these 12 markers as a warning of how much Americans have already lost and how much more we still could lose,” the editorial states.

No. 1 – Suppressing Dissent and Free Speech
Modern authoritarianism rarely begins with military coups. Instead, it often involves elected leaders using their powers to consolidate control and hinder opposition—examples include Vladimir Putin in Russia, Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, and, to varying degrees, Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey, Viktor Orban in Hungary, and Narendra Modi in India. These leaders typically crack down on dissent and restrict free expression.

Over the past year, Trump and his allies have restricted free speech more than any administration in the U.S. since perhaps the Red Scare of the 1940s and 1950s. His administration pressured TV networks to pull Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show following criticism of Trump supporters, revoked visas for foreign students over their political views, and ordered investigations into liberal nonprofit groups. Trump’s attacks on critics, including federal judges, have often incited harassment by his supporters.

Although free speech remains active in the U.S., Trump’s actions aim to intimidate Americans from criticizing him, his allies, or his agenda.

No. 2 – Targeting Political Opponents
Authoritarian leaders frequently use law enforcement to investigate, intimidate, or imprison those who oppose them. Trump’s Justice Department has increasingly acted to serve his personal interests, pursuing politically motivated investigations while granting impunity to his allies.

Following the president’s directives, his appointees have sought indictments against critics, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey, and initiated investigations into others like Senator Adam Schiff. Some of these officials were once Trump’s personal lawyers. Trump has also used executive orders to target perceived adversaries, including law firms representing critics, and systematically removed government employees involved in previous investigations of him or his allies.

“We are all afraid,” said Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. “It’s quite a statement. But we are in a time and a place where I certainly have not been here before. I’ll tell you, I’m oftentimes very anxious myself about using my voice, because retaliation is real.”

Meanwhile, Trump has shielded his supporters from legal consequences, including issuing blanket pardons to those involved in the January 6 riot.

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