Originally Posted by
ss12
Lurker here are some examples. Challenging Election Results: Trump’s refusal to concede the 2020 election and his baseless claims of widespread voter fraud undermined public trust in the electoral process. His attempts to overturn legitimate election results through legal challenges and pressure on state officials raised concerns about the integrity of democratic norms.
Attacks on the Press: Trump consistently attacked the media, labeling them as “fake news” and undermining their role as a check on government power. A free press is essential for a healthy democracy, and such attacks erode public confidence in accurate information.
Disregard for Civil Servants: Trump’s administration saw a high turnover of civil servants and officials who disagreed with his policies. His disdain for career professionals weakened the institutions that rely on their expertise and impartiality.
Embracing Authoritarian Leaders: Trump expressed admiration for authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un. His praise for their strongman tactics raised concerns about his commitment to democratic values.
Financial Conflicts of Interest: Trump’s refusal to fully divest from his business empire while serving as president raised ethical questions. Profiting from public office can undermine trust in democratic institutions.
Impeachment Proceedings: Trump faced two impeachment trials during his presidency. While he was not removed from office, these proceedings highlighted allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Erosion of Norms: Trump frequently disregarded established norms of presidential behavior, from using Twitter to attack opponents to bypassing traditional channels for decision-making. Such actions can weaken democratic institutions over time.
Despite these challenges, it’s important to recognize that American democracy has endured. The guardrails—Congress, the courts, the federal system, the press, and the civil service—have held, preventing a complete erosion of democratic principles.