Many MAGA supporters will argue that Trump is not setting himself up as an authoritarian figure of a monolithic government. But we see all the signs of authoritarianism as listed below.
– Attack on Independent Institutions: Politicizing the judiciary, law enforcement, and civil service to ensure loyalty rather than compliance with the rule of law.
Example: Denying Harvard money for important research, using the DOJ to go after his enemies, firing government workers who may not be his supporters, etc.
– Suppression of Dissent and Media: Criminalizing opposition, restricting freedoms of speech and assembly, and controlling the information environment to stifle criticism.
Example: Classifying legal protesters as ‘domestic terrorists’, censoring comedians and jailing reporters for doing their jobs.
– Erosion of Democratic Processes: Manipulating elections, challenging results, or changing electoral rules to favor the ruling party, disobeying rule of law.
Example: Pardoning criminals who support him, attempting to take over elections from states which is unconstitutional, and claiming he won 2020 when clearly he did not. Trying to redistrict to favor his party.
– Executive Power Grabs: Expanding executive authority while breaking down checks and balances from legislatures or courts.
Example: Ordering troops to states to police citizens in violation of posse comitatus, renaming sections of the country, threatening to invade allied countries, and murdering foreigners as an act of war without approval from the legislature.
– Use of Disinformation: Flooding public discourse with propaganda, lies, and conspiracy theories to confuse the public and promote the regime’s agenda.
Example: Citing of fake economic reports and polling numbers.
– Scapegoating and Division: Delegitimizing specific ethnic, religious, or political groups to create fear and rally a base, often using violence or threats.
Example: Demonizing immigrants, arresting and jailing those who are here legally.
– Cult of Personality/Nationalism: Hijacking national symbols, flags, and anthems to associate them exclusively with the leader or party in power.
Example: Trying to rename national artifacts in his name.