Trump’s Attack on American Democracy

The first two years of Donald Trump’s presidency have had a dismal, yet undeniable, impact on democracy. He has inflicted considerable damage on U.S. political institutions, and this has shattered the confidence people have in the rule of law nationwide.

Recent public opinion polls show that only 55 percent of Americans feel pride in their country, a record low . Over half of respondents believe that America has strayed from the principles established by its Founding Fathers. A growing number of citizens feel insecure about the future, with an increasing number of young people considering moving abroad.

Since taking office, the Trump administration has engaged in deliberate efforts to suppress fundamental human rights and freedoms. He has sought revenge against his perceived enemies, including journalists. He has demonized a huge section of the population with his mass deportation policies. And he has prioritized making money for himself, his family, and his friends.

Score-Settling Politics

Trump’s list of controversial decisions is extensive. He initiated a baseless criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey and threatened to prosecute political opponents such as New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Senator Adam Schiff. He fired federal prosecutor Michelle Beckwith for adhering to regulations that restrict the authority of border services.

He has gone after organizations. The September 25 National Security Memorandum, “Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence,” instructs law enforcement to investigate potential connections between American charities and civil society groups on the one hand and “terrorist” and “antifa” organizations on the other. This is, in fact, a clear attempt to fabricate a conspiracy where none exists.

Trump also deployed federal troops to quell peaceful protests in Portland and Memphis.

Any of these actions should raise serious concerns . However, Trump’s efforts have made the normal functioning of democracy more difficult, allowing him to evade accountability—at least for now.

The Immigration Issue

Trump and his administration’s authoritarian policies create an atmosphere of intimidation, increasing the risk of extrajudicial force. This fuels systemic racism within the country. Border shutdowns and the denial of asylum have become common tactics. Today, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is facing mounting accusations of abuse , inhumane conditions, and negligence. ICE personnel are using illegal methods to detain and arrest individuals, including those legally residing in the United States. Four people died in ICE custody only in the first few days of 2026 alone, compared to at least 32 last year —an all-time high. The number of people held by ICE increased by 75 percent in 2025, reaching 66,000 . Despite White House assurances that the most dangerous criminals are being targeted, nearly 70 percent of those detained have no criminal record.

This administration is declaring an entire category of citizens undesirable based solely on their origin. Furthermore, authorities are using racial rhetoric to justify stricter immigration policies, accusing newcomers of threatening American identity. Trump falsely labels immigrants as dangerous criminals and parasites, inciting racial intolerance among white people.

However, national economic indicators demonstrate that immigrant workers contribute billions of dollars to the budget, which is a vital economic factor. They pay taxes and contribute to Social Security and healthcare, despite often being ineligible to receive these benefits.

Under Trump’s presidency, law and order have given way to control and intimidation. This is not only a political problem but also a moral one, as Trump’s policies are eroding the core principles of democracy and justice.

Just Business

On top of all that, President Trump has used his office to make billions of dollars for himself, his family, and his friends. Donald Trump’s personal wealth has skyrocketed. His net worth increased from $1.4 billion in 2025 to $6.4 billion in 2026, earning more in the last year than ever before. Roughly 26 percent of Trump’s wealth comes from existing real estate and golf ventures .

However, most of his income comes from cryptocurrency . Its total volume has grown by an astonishing 183 percent in two years. The president earned a substantial $636 million from the TRUMP meme coin alone. He earned another $600 million through a deal between his family’s company, World Liberty Financial, and a firm closely tied to the UAE government.

The president has also made a lot of money pardoning people . Although the process previously required Justice Department approval, Trump now has sole discretion and generally operates on a quid pro quo basis. Statistics show that pardons are increasingly granted to Republican donors and supporters in exchange for future favors and loyalty.

Notable examples include the pardons of Duncan Hunter and Chris Collins, both of whom were members of Congress during Trump’s first term. In March and April of 2025, the president also pardoned Republican donors Trevor Milton and Paul Walczak. In November, he pardoned Changpeng Zhao, who has close business ties to the Trump family’s financial company. Under Trump, a whole industry of lobbying for criminal clemency has emerged, benefiting those close to the president who are willing to return the favor. Ten different lobbyists have registered to lobby explicitly on pardons or clemency for nine different people since Trump’s second term began.

Those pardoned by the White House include Trump’s impeachment lawyer, Robert Ray; Salim Zherka, convicted of financial fraud; and Richard Scrushy, a healthcare mogul. Additionally, Greg Lindberg, convicted of money laundering, reached an agreement with former presidential bodyguard Keith Schiller. Ultimately, the president prioritizes his own enrichment and promotes policies that violate human rights and restrict freedom of speech, thereby undermining the authority, values, and foundations of the country’s democracy.

Thanks to the Trump administration, many people around the world now believe that the rule of law in America lies in ruins. As Trump’s regime becomes more authoritarian, the country is quickly losing its image as a functioning democracy.

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