Democracy in America is under attack. The government under Trump is following the playbook of Project 2025 to erode democratic norms and protections to install autocracy.
While campaigning for election, Trump repeatedly distanced himself from Project 2025 whilst also openly speaking out in authoritarian terms about his plans. The New York Times, as part of its sane-washing, reported that Trump was "not a fan of Project 2025" and that he was "not a fan of the idea of a dictatorship."
Yet Russel Vought has been working tirelessly to advance its goals.
It predicted much of what has occurred in the first 100 days of Trump and shows us what is to come. The most critical part of the plan was to transform the federal service by firing or removing as many civil servants as possible and replacing them with loyalists.
Like Russia, Hungary and Nazi Germany, the fall of democracy with the installation of a dictator is not something that happens over night. But it can happen rapidly and by a thousand cuts
Below are the hallmarks of a failing democracy that is being eroded away, and how it is systematically attacked on multiple fronts. The USA, the once most revered democracy in the world, is now perilously close to collapse.
Undermining Free and Fair Elections
What is it?
Systematic efforts to limit voter access, discredit elections, and refuse peaceful transitions undermine democracy at its core.
- Restrictive voting laws targeting specific groups
- Gerrymandering electoral districts to ensure partisan dominance
- Intimidation or suppression of voters at polling places
- Undermining trust in the electoral process (e.g., claims of "rigged" elections without evidence)
- Refusal to concede elections or peaceful transfer of power
Weakening of the Rule of Law
What is it?
Politicizing judicial appointments, dismissing watchdogs, and ignoring legal norms hollow out the legal system.
- Politicization of the judiciary (e.g., appointing loyalists over qualified judges)
- Disregard for court rulings or constitutional limits
- Selective prosecution of political opponents
- Widespread corruption with no consequences
Erosion of Civil Liberties
What is it?
Restricting media, protests, and civil rights weakens public accountability and stifles dissent.
- Crackdowns on free press
- Censorship or control over media narratives
- Restrictions on public protest and assembly
- Mass surveillance of citizens without oversight
Delegitimization of Opponents
What is it?
Portraying political opposition as enemies undermines pluralism and invites authoritarianism.
- Labeling political opponents as traitors or enemies
- Calls to imprison or harm political rivals
- Use of inflammatory, dehumanizing language toward opposition groups
Consolidation of Executive Power
What is it?
Bypassing legislative processes and centralizing power threatens the balance necessary for democracy.
- Expansion of executive orders bypassing legislative approval
- Dismissing or weakening independent agencies and watchdog institutions
- Centralizing authority in a small, loyal inner circle
- Normalizing emergency powers without clear limits
- Targeting dissent within institutions
Militarization and Use of Violence
What is it?
Using violence against citizens and normalizing paramilitary support threatens domestic peace.
- Deployment of military or federal forces against domestic protesters
- Encouraging or tolerating violence from political supporters
- Rise of paramilitary groups aligned with ruling interests
- Lack of accountability for state violence
Manipulation of National Identity
What is it?
Using nationalism and targeting minorities fractures civil society and sows division.
- Heightened emphasis on nationalist or exclusionary ideologies
- Targeting minorities, immigrants, or marginalized communities
- Revisionism or glorification of history to justify authoritarian measures
Economic Control and Inequality
What is it?
Rewarding allies with economic favors and punishing enemies corrodes fair economic systems.
- Using state resources to reward allies and punish critics
- Growing wealth inequality leading to mass disenchantment
- Erosion of independent businesses or labor organizations in favor of cronies
Normalization of Corruption and Scandals
What is it?
Endless scandals without consequences lower public standards and normalize misconduct.
- Frequent, blatant scandals without legal or electoral consequences
- General public fatigue or acceptance of corruption as the "new normal"
International Isolation or Aggression
What is it?
Turning away from alliances and fostering conflict abroad isolates democracies and emboldens authoritarians.
- Withdrawal from international agreements and alliances
- Hostile foreign policy used to bolster domestic "us vs them" narratives
- Isolationism framed as "protecting national sovereignty"