To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes Trump’s Authoritarian Playbook
Jan 15, 2026
Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and writer at The Atlantic, delves into Trump's use of a European authoritarian playbook. He outlines how MAGA aims to manipulate institutions to cling to power, drawing parallels to Hungary's strategies. They discuss the implications of political hubris and escalating desperation, as well as the risks posed by ICE’s aggressive tactics. Rauch also touches on broader themes like MLK's legacy and the slow but inevitable march toward justice in politics.
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Authoritarian Playbook Over Conventional Politics
- Jonathan Rauch argues Trump is using a European-style authoritarian playbook rather than a conventional political strategy.
- He believes Trump is doubling down on unpopular moves to build intimidating structures that outrun falling popularity.
Tilting Institutions To Stay In Power
- Rauch warns MAGA seeks to rig institutions using legal tools, justice system, and intimidation to tilt the playing field like Viktor Orban's Hungary.
- The goal is to make opposition powerless or delegitimize election outcomes rather than rely on popularity.
A Significant Risk, Not Inevitable
- Rauch estimates a nontrivial but not majority chance (around one in four) that a Hungary-style transformation could succeed.
- He stresses this risk is significant enough to take seriously and act against.