Trump's Terms Hundreds of scholars say U.S. is swiftly heading toward authoritarianism
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Apr 23, 2025 Political scientists voice deep concerns about the U.S. drifting toward authoritarianism amidst expanding executive power. Experts analyze the troubling trend of competitive authoritarianism and how it threatens democratic integrity. The discussion highlights the manipulation of democratic institutions and its potential impact on future elections. Additionally, tactics used by leaders like Trump and Orban are examined, shedding light on the diminishing space for independent media and dissent in American society.
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U.S. Slides Toward Competitive Authoritarianism
- Scholars warn the U.S. is sliding into "competitive authoritarianism," where elections exist but are unfair and checks and balances weaken.
- This marks a shift from liberal democracy to a system with increasing executive abuse and media control.
Experts Forecast Democratic Decline
- A 2024 survey found 78% of political scientists believe the U.S. is moving towards autocracy.
- Democracy ratings plummeted from 67 (Nov 2024) to 55 (Feb 2025), an unprecedented decline in political science assessments.
Media Under Government Scrutiny
- The Trump administration's Federal Communications Commission targets major broadcast networks except Fox.
- The FCC threatens their licenses, echoing tactics used by autocrats to control media.