Trump's Disruption of Institutional Authority

Donald Trump's election in 2016 significantly weakened the perceived invulnerability of major institutions that dominate the political landscape, such as the intelligence agencies and mainstream media. His victory exposed the limitations of bipartisan agreements, leading to widespread disillusionment among traditional power structures that had anticipated his loss. Subsequent electoral challenges, including the 2020 election, further illustrated this disruption, as Trump continued to draw unexpected support from diverse voter groups despite ongoing negative portrayals. Ultimately, his presidency catalyzed a decentralization of information power, diminishing the control previously held by elite institutions over public opinion.