The article discusses warnings from progressives about Donald Trump’s rising authoritarianism before and during his presidency. Notably, former Labor Secretary Robert Reich highlighted parallels between Trump’s tactics and those of historical dictators like Erdogan and Orban.
Senators Chris Murphy and Elissa Slotkin elaborated on these concerns, noting how Trump’s actions threaten democratic institutions by neutralizing the press, universities, and legal bodies. They argue that Trump executes a gradual dismantling of democracy, leveraging military force against perceived domestic enemies and manipulating election processes to maintain power.
Murphy emphasized that democracy erodes not through overt actions but by quietly dismantling accountability structures, while Slotkin raised alarm over the potential violence against American citizens under Trump’s leadership. Neither senator addressed organized labor’s role in resisting Trump’s agenda, which has faced significant suppression under his administration.
Slotkin called for a collective citizen movement to uphold democracy, urging veterans and local leaders to advocate against Trump’s tendencies. They both emphasized the necessity for citizens and Congress to reclaim authority and oppose unconstitutional orders. The article concludes with a note of cautious optimism, suggesting that the American public’s awareness of authoritarianism could still catalyze positive action against it.
