Yes, America Can Survive Trumpism
And History Shows We’ll Emerge Stronger
The Resilience of American Democracy in the Face of Trumpism
As Donald Trump prepares to begin his second term as president, many Americans are understandably concerned about the future of their democracy.
While the challenges of Trumpism are profound and must not be underestimated, history shows that American democracy is resilient.
It has survived profound crises, adapted to new challenges, and emerged stronger.
This article acknowledges the very real threats to democratic institutions posed by Trump’s return to power while emphasizing the critical role of civic engagement and historical precedent in ensuring that democracy endures.
Historical Perspective: Democracy's Survival Through Crises
American democracy has faced numerous challenges throughout its history and has consistently demonstrated its ability to endure.
Two key moments—the Civil War and Harry Truman’s presidency—highlight the resilience of democratic institutions and offer important lessons for today.
The Civil War: A Test of National Unity
The Civil War (1861–1865) was one of the most severe tests of American democracy. It was a conflict over the issues of slavery and states' rights that threatened to divide the nation permanently.
The war resulted in significant loss of life and property, but it ultimately preserved the Union and abolished slavery.
Despite the devastation, American democracy survived and laid the groundwork for future advancements in civil rights.
The Reconstruction era that followed was fraught with challenges, including efforts to suppress Black political participation and roll back progress.
Yet, the framework of democracy persevered, and movements for racial justice continued. The Civil War demonstrated that even amid catastrophic division, democracy could adapt and endure.
Harry Truman’s Presidency: Overcoming Challenges
Harry Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, served during a tumultuous time in American history. He faced the aftermath of World War II, the beginning of the Cold War, and significant domestic challenges, including civil rights.
Truman believed that democracy was fragile and required constant vigilance.
Interestingly, Truman attributed the Civil War to a series of four weak presidencies, suggesting that while democracy could survive individual leadership failures, an extended period of mismanagement could lead to catastrophe.
His perspective underscores the importance of strong leadership and institutional accountability during difficult times.
Truman’s presidency ultimately demonstrated how decisive action, transparency, and faith in democratic principles could guide the country through challenging periods. His legacy reminds us that democracy is not static—it is a process that requires active engagement, adaptation, and renewal.
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Threats to Democratic Institutions
While historical resilience offers hope, the threats posed by Trumpism remain significant.
Trump’s rhetoric, policies, and plans for a second term have raised alarms about the erosion of democratic norms and the weaponization of government institutions.
Here, we address these threats, focusing on their current manifestations and implications.
1. Attacks on Free Speech
Trump’s hostility toward the press and free speech has escalated into concerning attempts to intimidate and silence critics.
Recently, Trump filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register, accusing the paper and its pollster of "brazen election interference" over a pre-election poll that inaccurately predicted Kamala Harris would win in Iowa.
Despite ultimately winning the state by a wide margin, Trump called the poll fraudulent and demanded financial damages and access to the poll’s methodologies.
In another alarming move, Trump has called for CBS to be stripped of its broadcasting license after the network aired an edited clip of Kamala Harris during a primetime interview.
Trump alleged that CBS intentionally manipulated the clip to make Harris appear more coherent, calling it “a giant Fake News Scam” and accusing the network of “election interference.”
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel publicly condemned Trump’s demands, emphasizing that broadcasting licenses cannot be revoked simply because a candidate dislikes coverage.
“The First Amendment is a cornerstone of our democracy,” Rosenworcel stated, adding that the FCC would not bow to such threats.
These actions represent more than just attacks on specific media outlets—they are a direct challenge to the principle of free speech, a cornerstone of democracy.
Trump’s increasingly aggressive efforts to intimidate the press risk creating a chilling effect on journalists and media organizations, threatening the free flow of information essential to a functioning democracy.
2. Undermining the Rule of Law
Trump’s plans for his second term include a direct assault on the rule of law, with concrete steps that could undermine the independence of federal institutions:
Weaponizing Federal Agencies: Trump has nominated Kash Patel, a staunch loyalist, to lead the FBI. Patel is widely expected to use the bureau to target Trump’s political enemies, using a list he published in a recent book.
Enemies List: Trump has named several individuals, like former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), that he plans to investigate or prosecute.
Pam Bondi’s Role: Trump has nominated Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general with a history of ethical controversies, to head the Justice Department. Bondi previously dropped a criminal case against the Trump Organization, raising concerns about her impartiality.
These plans would politicize federal agencies, erode public trust in the justice system, and create a dangerous precedent of using government power to settle personal grievances.
Yet, the judiciary and other federal institutions have demonstrated resilience in the past, resisting executive overreach even under immense pressure despite ongoing skepticism of the Supreme Court’s legitimacy.
3. Assault on Immigrant Communities
Trump’s immigration policies are set to become even harsher in a second term. He has vowed to deport millions of immigrants, including long-standing residents, and has proposed ending birthright citizenship—a direct violation of the 14th Amendment.
Trump has also discussed setting up detention camps to house undocumented immigrants, sparking fears of human rights abuses.
These policies are part of a broader effort to dehumanize immigrant communities and reshape the American demographic landscape.
Yet, history shows that grassroots resistance and legal challenges have effectively pushed back against such measures.
The resilience of immigrant communities and their allies remains a powerful force for preserving democracy’s promise of equality and inclusion.
4. Erosion of Democratic Norms
Trump’s disregard for democratic norms has only grown.
]For instance, he has promised to pardon those involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, signaling his willingness to reward political violence.
This undermines accountability and emboldens future attacks on the democratic process.
Additionally, Trump’s continued denial of the 2020 election results has normalized election denialism, a dangerous precedent that threatens the peaceful transfer of power.
His rhetoric about only accepting election results if he wins destabilizes public trust in the electoral process.
Despite these challenges, democratic norms can be rebuilt. Awareness of these threats has galvanized bipartisan efforts to protect election integrity and restore public faith in the system.
Reasons for Hope: The Resilience of American Democracy
Despite these challenges, there are compelling reasons to believe in the resilience of American democracy:
Strength of Democratic Institutions: While the system of checks and balances has been strained, it has not collapsed. The judiciary, in particular, has demonstrated its independence by ruling against some of Trump’s more controversial policies during his first term.
Active Civil Society: Unions, universities, and independent media outlets are critical in resisting authoritarianism. They provide platforms for dissent and help hold power accountable.
Grassroots Activism and State Sovereignty: States have resisted federal overreach in areas like sanctuary cities and marijuana legalization. Grassroots movements continue to mobilize citizens to counter threats to democracy.
Increased Civic Engagement: Recent elections have seen record voter turnout and grassroots activism remains strong. As Susan Hyde notes, “Democracy is grinding work,” and Americans are rising to the challenge.
Conclusion: Emerging Stronger
While the challenges posed by Trumpism to American democracy are significant, they are not insurmountable.
The resilience of American democratic institutions, the strength of civil society, and the enduring spirit of civic engagement provide strong reasons for hope.
Historian Timothy Snyder and other experts noted that democracy requires ongoing maintenance and renewal.
By learning from historical examples, leveraging the strength of our institutions, and fostering active civic participation, we can navigate this challenging period and emerge with a strengthened and more resilient democratic system.
The path forward will require vigilance, active civic engagement, and a commitment to democratic principles from all sectors of society.
It is crucial to remember that democracy is not a static achievement but a continuous process requiring ongoing maintenance and renewal.
The next four years will test America's democratic resilience but offer an opportunity for democratic renewal and reinvigoration.
For example, lawmakers and the courts can begin fixing some of the inadequacies in America’s legal and regulatory systems that allowed Trump to rise from mediocracy to present a viable risk to American democracy.
By working together, staying engaged, and upholding our values, we can ensure that American democracy not only survives but thrives in the face of current and future challenges.
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