According to NBC News, Countless people across America are being detained without cause, deported, and silenced for speaking out against injustice. These actions, which frequently target those who oppose the Trump administration, are fostering a climate of fear and repression across the United States. We are witnessing the systematic destruction of the right to dissent, a core component of any strong democracy. This alarming trend poses an important question: Is America on the path to complete authoritarianism- a system of government characterized by strong central power, limited political freedoms, and the erosion of democratic processes?
In the past, Trump has been criticized for his authoritarian tendencies, particularly in regard to the Capitol Hill riot on January 6th, 2020. Despite a lack of evidence and multiple court rulings against him, Trump made false claims that the 2020 election was rigged and, according to PBS, encouraged his followers to interfere with election certification. This moment was not isolated, but rather part of a broader pattern that has only intensified since Trump’s return to office
Following his return to office, Trump has continued to erode democratic norms and processes in America. In a post on X, the digital public square formerly known as Twitter, he said, “we are the federal law” suggesting a centralization of power and a disregard for the checks and balances that are inherent to the U.S political system. Moreover, Trump posted a picture of himself with a crown, along with the words “long live the king”, another example of his inclination to place himself beyond the conventional role and boundaries of presidential power.
Another cause for concern is Trump’s desire to run for a third term, a move that blatantly violates the American Constitution. The 22nd Amendment states that “no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” While some might think of this as a joke, he is fully serious. According to The Associated Press, Trump said about serving a third term, “I’m not joking… There are methods that you could do it.” This type of speech not only undermines the Constitution but also demonstrates a troubling willingness to disregard the Constitution in pursuit of political power.
In the last few months, the Trump administration has also increasingly targeted people who have spoken out against his agenda. Those who voice criticism have faced unlawful detentions, deportations, and additional consequences, creating an environment where free expression is becoming increasingly more dangerous. An article from The Patriot Ledger, a daily newspaper in Massachusetts, describes, “Universities across the country have warned international students to rethink upcoming out-of-country travel plans after those who have been outspoken against political conflicts, particularly the Israel-Hamas War, being hunted by ICE. A 21-year-old South Korean Columbia University student named Yunseo Chung, who has lived in the U.S. since she was a child, is facing deportation, and an Indian PhD student recently self-deported to Canada.”
Although authoritarianism is a real threat to our democracy, it hasn’t overtaken us yet. While the United States is showing these disturbing signs of authoritarianism under Trump’s leadership, the nation cannot be fully authoritarian as long as people continue to fight back. In spite of the crackdown, America continues to protest. On April 5th, rallies were held in all 50 states with more than 600,000 people attending these “Hands Off” protests. These demonstrations defended public education, health care, abortion rights, and fair elections in an attempt to fight oligarchy, the deportation of legal immigrants, and most importantly, fascism. This wave of resistance sends a powerful message: though authoritarian tendencies are growing, the fight for democracy is still alive.
Some may argue that calling the U.S. an authoritarian society, or even suggesting that we are on the verge of it, is an overstatement. People point out that real authoritarian regimes don’t allow protests, independent media, or open criticism of their leaders. In the United States, courts still act as a restraint on executive power, opposition parties continue to exist, and citizens have the right to vote and to dissent.
However, institutions alone do not ensure freedom. Authoritarianism does not assert itself in the abrupt collapse of democracy, but in the gradual erosion of its principles. The freedom to dissent is not guaranteed by protest when demonstrators can be intimidated, detained, and deported. Although authoritarianism is not yet a reality in America, Trump’s policies are clear and dangerous steps in that direction. In order to prevent a total collapse of democracy, it is imperative to recognize these warning signs before it is too late.
This is particularly true for students, especially students at institutions such as Poly. As young people, we are less likely to suffer the worst repercussions of speaking out. We are not burdened with the same risks to career or immigration status that adults have, and as a result, possess a unique opportunity to make our voices heard and to resist injustice. With this power comes a responsibility. If we don’t use our ability to resist, then who will?
