Former U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at intentions to rule with total authority should he win his second tenure. Some downplayed this statement as mere rhetoric, but there’s the lingering question wouldn’t it be alarming if his intentions were true? Let’s povote some thought to his strategic policies that seem to pave the way for unchallenged dominance. Would he dismiss any judicial checks on his power? And what if his occasional jests about aspiring for a third term are not jokes at all? Trump’s rhetoric about absolute power shouldn’t be brushed off. The pillars of democracy appear to be constantly under siege, with his second term unfolding to the detriment of many American citizens. It begs for a thorough discussion.
On reinstatement as President, Trump, accompanied by his administration, lost no time in accelerating their undemocratic and possibly totalitarian political program. His ambitious blueprint contains several elements that include signing broad-reaching executive orders, wiping critical data off government web pages, and introducing Cabinet associates who seek to cancel diversity, fairness, and inclusion initiatives while simultaneously imposing harsh measures on immigrants nationwide. This may seem overwhelming, and indeed it is. Each morning, news headlines evoke the question, ‘What’s his latest action?’ While these developments may not directly affect me, I am familiar with those who bear the brunt.
Trump’s second tenure draws disturbing parallels with a dystopian fiction plot. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have received an alarming mandate to remove individuals from their residences, workplaces, and even places of worship. To tear apart families without legal justice is ruthlessly horrifying and devoid of humanity. ICE operates a scheme designed to exacerbate national schisms and devastate families. While you may not be directly affected, numerous people now live in persistent fright. Under the spotlight are individuals who have strived to maneuver the intricacies of gaining legal citizenship, all while toiling in jobs normally shunned by most—notably in our factories and agricultural sectors, often under hazardous circumstances.
Trump’s policies are decidedly alienating the most vulnerable, with vile rhetoric aimed at immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community. His administration’s decision to recognize only an individual’s birth-assigned gender on a passport essentially denies their gender identity. Transgender individuals’ access to affirming healthcare is gravely threatened, with Trump resolved to revoke anti-discrimination legislations. Regrettably, this spews hateful discourse against those in the LGBTQ+ community, simply for their authenticity. To those LGBTQ+ individuals scarred by Trump’s actions: Realize that you have a rightful place here. You are essential. America embraces everyone.
Trump has obliterated the initiatives towards diversity, equity, and inclusion within workplaces and higher educational settings. Many entities, due to fear of Trump’s wrath, have ceased to uphold the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The United States should strive to be a country that’s universally inclusive and accessible.
Trump’s economic measures, such as trade wars and tariffs, and reduced focus on issues like avian flu, all but guarantee that egg prices aren’t dropping anytime soon. Moreover, food costs are likely to escalate as a consequence of Trump’s flawed economic directives.
Trump is making concerted efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, which endangers a primary pillar of democracy. All of us are entitled to education, and Trump appears to be undermining this privilege.
Then, there’s the looming peril of climate change. Trump’s aggressive push towards unrestrained drilling is a serious threat to our environment. This administration’s policies are potentially detrimental to public health conditions.
Our cherished democracy seems to have lost its path. Where did the American dream veer off course? Is it inevitable that we let Trump morph into a despot? Prejudice and animosity won’t elevate America’s greatness. But hope lies in the fact that our generation can catalyze a transformation.
America was built on the promise of equality and hope, values we’ve seemingly drifted away from. For the time being, we need to fortify each other. Reach out to your loved ones, identify supportive groups, and ensure you remain connected. Staying connected and advocating for a better, just system is vital.
Our collective goal should be for a fair and moral society that epitomizes the idea of a truly democratic nation, not an autocracy. Trump’s thinly veiled references to dictatorial governance are inching closer to realization.
However, history reminds us that there’s also hope to be found: When resistance rallies for justice, tyrants are divested of their power. America was founded on democratic principles. We don’t have royalty or an overlord.
We choose presidents through elections. And while Trump may hint at aspirations to absolute power, the beauty of democracy lies in its ability to adapt and endure. It is crucial, now more than ever, to uphold these principles and ensure the continuation of the democratic values upon which our nation was built.