DW — After just three months in office, U.S. President Donald Trump has already caused significant disruptions within the legal and political system, prompting many to question the state of American democracy.
“Trump’s actions are increasingly testing the limits of U.S. democratic institutions,” reports DW, citing a study from the Brookings Institution, which has identified “dangerous cracks” in the pillars of American democracy.
Key Challenges to Democracy Identified:
1. Dispute with Universities
Trump has publicly criticized prestigious universities, like Harvard, accusing them of promoting hate and ignorance. The dispute escalated following protests at universities regarding the Gaza conflict, which Trump claims endangered Jewish students. He has threatened to cut federal funding for these institutions unless they monitor political views of students and faculty members.
“No government – no matter which party is in power – should dictate what private universities can teach,” said Harvard University President Alan Garber, in response to the administration’s demands.
2. Erosion of Judicial Independence
Trump has challenged the rule of law, with his administration ignoring several court rulings, including a Supreme Court order to return a deported individual to the U.S. His attacks on judges who block his policies and his push to replace them with loyalists have raised concerns about judicial independence.
3. Media Freedom Under Attack
Trump’s criticism of the media has been harsh. He has labeled major outlets, such as CNN and MSNBC, as “corrupt”, accusing them of biased reporting. Additionally, Trump has cut funding for international broadcasters like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe.
He has also attempted to revoke the accreditation of AP after they refused to follow his preferred terminology, further undermining press freedom.
4. Restructuring the Government
Trump’s administration has seen a massive downsizing of federal agencies and a shift toward aligning government operations with his political agenda. This includes cuts to diversity and inclusion programs and a rollback of environmental regulations.
Critics argue that these moves, including alleged surveillance of government employees, resemble “political cleansing” within federal institutions.
Trump’s first three months have seen his administration testing the boundaries of American democracy, raising concerns about the long-term impact on judicial independence, media freedom, and the integrity of democratic institutions.
