Entering the impressive great hall of the US Department of Justice, Donald Trump paused to admire his portrait before proceeding to a specially designed stage where two art deco statues, representing the “Spirit of Justice” and “Majesty of Justice,” were concealed behind a blue velvet curtain. The president, who is also a convicted criminal since last year, aired grievances and accused the news media of acting “totally illegal” without providing evidence.

Trump’s breach of the justice department’s traditional independence was neither surprising nor shocking, swiftly fading from the news cycle. Future historians may, however, regard it as a landmark event leading the world’s oldest continuous democracy towards an unimaginable destination. This includes eroding the federal government and subjugating Congress, defying court orders, cracking down on free speech and chilling dissent. Add to this a right-wing media ecosystem manufacturing consent and a weak, divided opposition, and America is sleepwalking into authoritarianism.

“These are flashing red lights,” states Tara Setmayer, a former Republican communications director turned Trump critic. “We are approaching Defcon 1 for our democracy and many in the media and opposition leadership don’t seem to be communicating the danger to the American public.”

Trump has wasted no time in consolidating executive power and challenging established legal and institutional norms, with no secret about his strongman aspirations. He declared “We are the federal law” and posted a social media image of himself wearing a crown, with supporters echoing authoritarian phrases.

Critics argue that Trump is pushing the nation towards an authoritarian regime, citing his pardoning of those who attacked the Capitol, filling key positions with loyalists, and purging the justice department. The president is now targeting the courts, defying judge’s orders, and labelling them as “crooked.”

Leading politicians and strategists suggest that Trump’s relationship with tech oligarchs and his media manipulation tactics, such as deportations scored to songs and videos, are priming the public for future crackdowns. Civil liberties violations are mounting, with incidents of detention and interrogation that, if occurring elsewhere, would be condemned by the US.

Despite some resistance from federal judges, Trump’s actions have met with relatively low levels of opposition, with his approval rating remaining high despite a majority disapproving of his performance. Democrats are struggling to effectively challenge the Trump administration, which has resulted in a loss of political popularity.

The fight against Trump’s push towards authoritarianism is seen as a long-term battle, with hope placed in the courts as the last line of defense. Despite this, optimism remains that the US and its institutions can withstand and eventually defeat the forces of authoritarian reaction.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2025/mar/22/trump-administration-authoritarianism