Experts Warn US Faces Gradual Authoritarian Erosion Under Trump

Several scholars and commentators warn that the United States under President Donald Trump in 2025 is exhibiting signs of authoritarianism with fascist elements, far beyond democratic erosion. Brendan Nyhan of Dartmouth highlights the lack of institutional opposition, especially from the Supreme Court and Congress, which has emboldened Trump’s presidency and weakened resistance efforts, while others note patterns such as mass firings, voter suppression, and media control that align with autocratic playbooks seen in countries like Venezuela and Hungary. The administration's policies, including reviewing millions of visas for anti-American sentiments, reflect a broader erosion of constitutional checks and balances, exacerbated by political gerrymandering and powerful lobbying influences. Public activists and organizers are striving to build a pro-democracy movement, exemplified by events like CrookedCon, aiming to galvanize opposition against rising authoritarianism. Meanwhile, political figures inspired by Trump, such as Senator Tommy Tuberville, advocate for militarized responses to domestic issues, which critics warn could further normalize authoritarian tactics and undermine civil society. These developments collectively signal a critical moment for American democracy, with calls for intentional and robust resistance to prevent further democratic collapse.