Trump's Final Form: Democracy's Guardrails Now Gone?

The constraints that once partially checked Donald Trump’s behavior during his first presidential term have effectively collapsed, according to journalist Steven Beschloss writing for Salon. Beschloss argues this has unleashed Trump’s most extreme tendencies – characterized as arrogance, cruelty, and hostility towards those who don’t align with white nationalist ideologies.

While acknowledging a slow initial response, Beschloss points to a growing Democratic resistance. He frames his work as an effort to highlight those actively defending democracy against what he describes as Trump’s deliberately destructive actions and the support they receive. He observes a concerning shift in Trump’s approach, moving from overt nationalism towards what he calls an “imperialist mode.”

Beschloss expresses deep pessimism about the future, predicting a further escalation of unchecked power. He alleges Trump is focused on personal enrichment, aiming to establish a kleptocratic system reminiscent of Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Critically, he notes the absence of internal voices within the administration willing to challenge Trump’s actions, a contrast to the first term. He attributes this lack of restraint to both the 77 million voters who supported Trump and those who stayed home, effectively enabling his unfettered authority.

While leveling criticism at “far too many elected Democrats” for what he deems a weak response to Trump’s pursuit of power, Beschloss does highlight several leaders – including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Senators Cory Booker, Chris Murphy, and Bernie Sanders, and Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jasmine Crockett – as demonstrating a necessary sense of urgency.

However, Beschloss believes lasting change won’t come from elected officials alone. He calls for sustained, large-scale public demonstrations as the primary means of resisting what he characterizes as an authoritarian trajectory, emphasizing that sporadic protests are insufficient to safeguard American democracy. The article underscores a sense of alarm regarding the current political climate and a belief that only vigorous public engagement can prevent further erosion of democratic norms.