Why populism is a danger to democracy in the USA

Donald J. Trump's tenure as President of the United States and the potential for his return to the White House represent grave threats to the principles of American democracy. His presidency was marred by a series of actions and behaviors that starkly deviated from established norms of democratic leadership. These included a blatant disregard for the truth, the relentless pursuit of personal and political vendettas, and a distinct style of governance fueled by narcissism and a persecution complex.
 
Trump's approach to the presidency highlights a critical vulnerability in the structure of American governance: the concentration of significant powers in the hands of the executive, which, if left unchecked, can be wielded in ways that threaten democratic stability. This concentration of power is not new and has been a feature of the executive branch for decades, facilitated by congressional acquiescence and judicial deference. 
 
Presidents have historically expanded their reach, often during times of national crisis, leading to a permanent expansion of executive power. However, Trump's explicit intent to utilize these powers to further personal and political goals is a particularly egregious example of potential executive overreach.
 
The ideological underpinnings of Trump's political strategy are deeply intertwined with populist rhetoric. His narrative consistently positions "the people" against a corrupt elite, which he claims includes not only political adversaries but also various institutions of the state, such as the intelligence community and the press. This populist approach effectively rallies a significant base of support. Still, it is also divisive, undermining trust in institutions and eroding the norms of political discourse and behavior.
 
Trump's potential re-election raises concerns about further entrenching these behaviors and the normalization of a political style that flouts democratic norms and principles. His previous tenure already demonstrated a propensity to challenge the limits of executive power in ways that many considered to be at odds with the Constitution. 
 
For instance, his use of executive orders to bypass Congress, his manipulation of the Department of Justice, and his unprecedented attempts to interfere with the electoral process indicate a broader behavior likely to continue if he were to hold office again.
 
The response to Trump's approach and its implications for American democracy has been varied. On the one hand, legal scholars and political theorists call for reinforcing the checks and balances that can limit presidential power. This involves legislative reform and a reinvigoration of the norms and practices that safeguard democratic governance. On the other hand, there is a recognition of the need for a broader cultural shift that can address the underlying societal divisions that Trump's populist style exacerbates.
 
The series of essays in "The UnPopulist," sponsored by Protect Democracy, is a pressing attempt to tackle these issues head-on. By bringing together legal scholars from across the ideological spectrum, the series aims to explore urgent measures that could be implemented to check the misuse of executive power and to propose reforms that make presidential power less susceptible to abuse. This urgency is particularly evident in a political environment marked by polarization and the potential for significant shifts in the balance of power in Congress, which could either hinder or facilitate the necessary reforms.
 
In examining the challenges of Trump's potential return to power, it is essential to consider the broader historical and constitutional context. The Framers of the Constitution, influenced heavily by George Washington's presence and persona during the Constitutional Convention, designed the presidency with a confident expectation of restraint and dignity. However, the evolution of the executive branch over the centuries, coupled with the specific challenges posed by Trump's approach to governance, underscores the need for a recalibration of the balance of power within the federal government.
 
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that includes legal reforms, strategic litigation, and public advocacy. It also necessitates a deeper public understanding of the risks associated with a presidency that operates without regard for democratic norms and the rule of law. As we consider the future of American democracy, the lessons learned from the Trump era will be crucial in ensuring that the presidency does not become a vehicle for autocracy. Your understanding and engagement are critical to this process.
 
Thanks for reading. You can support and reward me via: 
Pay Pal — lauvlad89@gmail.com
Algo — NCG6LBALQHENQUSR77KOR6SS42FGK54BZ5L2HFDSBGQVLGYIOVWYDXFDI4
ADA — addr1q9vfs6nqz4xmtnpljwhv4tukyskd2g7enxd87rpugkwwvfun5pnla5d5tes2mvurrc77e7837yd0scrfk063qlha8wgs8d4ynz
Bitcoin 3HbxyDXE9MhNQ8RqsirqgYvFupQzh5Xby2
ETH — 0x8982cdb97bd23f092f78a16a4fc93c5c4607a285
Seeds — vladlausevic
Skycoin — ZxjhWMJRbTNCRQzy5MekZzH4fhdWFCqBP8
Tezos — tz1QrRzkTAKuPKF8dmGW6c1ScEHBUGvoiJBM