By Lara Kajs
Thinking Out Loud
In the early months of Donald Trump’s second term, concerns over executive overreach, the weakening of democratic institutions, and the erosion of civil liberties came sharply into focus. This piece examines patterns in governance, policy, and political behavior that reflect authoritarian tendencies, including the centralization of power, attacks on dissent, controversial immigration policies, and interference with key federal agencies. It situates these actions within the broader global and domestic context, highlighting the stakes for democracy and institutional resilience in the United States.
In recent years, the rise of populist leaders has sparked debates about the erosion of democratic norms and the emergence of authoritarian practices. While Donald Trump’s policies are not outright authoritarian rule, his actions during the second term raise serious concerns about executive overreach, the weakening of institutions, and the potential drift toward authoritarian patterns.
Centralization of Power
Authoritarian regimes often concentrate power in the hands of a single leader, bypassing traditional checks and balances. During his second term, Trump has continued to challenge Congressional oversight and judicial authority, expanding the reach of presidential power through executive orders and unilateral actions.
His administration’s approach frequently sidelines legislative processes, using administrative discretion to push policy goals without debate or accountability. Critics argue that this erosion of traditional democratic processes undermines the constitutional separation of powers.
The first sixty days of the second term already reflect an authoritarian pattern: concentrated power, weakened checks and balances, and normalized disregard for established democratic norms.”
Elections and Democratic Norms
A hallmark of authoritarian tendencies is the manipulation of electoral systems to maintain control. Following the 2020 election, Trump and his allies advanced unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud and attempted to influence state officials and the Department of Justice, raising serious questions about the protection of democratic norms.
In the early days of the second term, proposals to alter election administration and appoint loyalists to election oversight positions intensified these concerns. While these measures stop short of dismantling democracy, they reflect patterns that have historically been associated with authoritarian governance.
Cult of Personality and Polarization
Trump’s leadership style emphasizes a personal narrative in which he is the singular protector of the nation. The second term has intensified this “cult of personality,” framing political opponents, minorities, and institutions as threats while consolidating his base.
This polarization mirrors tactics used by authoritarian leaders to justify the marginalization of dissenting voices and normalize extreme political divides. The Republican Party’s alignment with his vision has reinforced these dynamics, heightening societal and political tensions.
Suppression of Dissent and Civil Liberties
Authoritarian regimes often suppress opposition and civil liberties to maintain control. While Trump has not fully adopted these measures, his administration has repeatedly targeted political opponents, activists, and journalists.
Attacks on media organizations labeled as “fake news” and the deployment of federal agents to quell protests illustrate a willingness to use coercive measures against dissent. Policies restricting the ability of students and universities to protest, combined with threats to use the justice system against opponents, suggest a pattern that risks normalizing state interference in civil liberties.
Nationalistic and Xenophobic Policies
Trump’s “America First” rhetoric continues to shape domestic and foreign policy. Immigration enforcement measures, including arbitrary detentions, deportations without due process, and the use of facilities like Cecot in El Salvador, raise serious human rights concerns.
Internationally, his unilateral approach—ranging from annexation proposals to aggressive foreign policy actions—reflects a prioritization of nationalistic goals over multilateral cooperation, raising questions about America’s adherence to international law.
Impact on Institutions and Public Services
The early second-term policies have disrupted vital institutions. The closure of USAID, interference with the United States Institute of Peace, reductions in the Department of Education, and the firing of key personnel at agencies like NIH and CDC undermine public service delivery and weaken institutional resilience.
These actions, combined with executive overreach, create systemic instability that affects both domestic governance and global humanitarian efforts.
Looking Ahead
The potential for authoritarian drift under Trump’s second term depends on the balance between executive action, institutional resilience, and citizen engagement. While warning signs exist—consolidated power, attacks on dissent, and weakened democratic oversight—the trajectory is not predetermined. Active legal, legislative, and civic responses will play a critical role in preserving democratic norms.
Photo Credit: “Law and Order? We’re Not Holding Our Breath” by Outtacontext. Licensed under CC By NC ND 2.0
Published 20 March 2025
About Thinking Out Loud
Thinking Out Loud is a commentary series by Lara Kajs examining international law, humanitarian crises, and the prevention of mass atrocities. Drawing on field experience in conflict and displacement settings, the column explores the legal and policy challenges that shape contemporary conflicts
Lara Kajs is the founder and executive director of The Genocide Report, a Washington, DC-based educational nonprofit focused on atrocity prevention and international law. She is the author of several field-based books on conflict, displacement, humanitarian crises, and international humanitarian law, drawing on extensive research and field experience in Yemen, Syria, and Afghanistan. Her writing and public speaking focus on atrocity crimes, forced displacement, the protection of civilians, and the legal frameworks governing armed conflict.