Much has been said and written in recent months about the danger that a second presidency of Donald Trump entails for democracy and the American constitutional state. And his first words, appointments and actions do not allay deep concerns about what the US and the world can expect.
Trump promises to realize his ambitions. The hope is that he is aiming to improve the lives of all those millions of Americans who once again entrusted their votes to him in November. Who eight years ago did not allow themselves to be dismissed as ‘deplorables‘ (dixit Hillary Clinton) or ‘garbage‘ (Joe Biden). Who see Trump as a savior, who will translate his rhetoric about, among other things, the economy and immigration into policy.
Unfortunately, Trump seems to be aiming to expand his power, to take revenge on those who rejected him, to eliminate those who oppose him or simply do not like him, and to change those institutions that keep the trias politica in balance. And it has already become apparent that what Trump says – no matter how questionable, rude or untrue it may be – is actually what he means. In contrast to his previous presidency, he and his closest associates have now better prepared for the term in office.
Americans, as well as the rest of the world, will have to deal with this Trumpism and all the unpredictability that the incoming president brings. It is clear that the 2016 election result was not a one-off anomaly. Nor is the preference for right-wing radical and populist parties in Europe.
The task to the middle, to everyone who loves the liberal freedoms won in recent centuries, is not to descend into bitterness. Unfortunately, that is still too often the visible consequence, including in the Dutch parliament. Democracy is accepting that the voter has made a different choice.
Such acceptance does not mean that there has to be joy. Especially not that one’s own ideals should be pushed aside – on the contrary, give voice to them. Not once every four years, but always. And continue to speak out without further ado against xenophobia, sexism, racism, and a lack of respect and decency.
Acceptance also does not mean that we have to go along with the Trumpian frame that democracy is a zero-sum game. In a two-party system it can seem that way, especially if the media views the elections as a race, almost a game. It is worrying that the Dutch multi-party system is increasingly seen in this way.
Democracy is not a competition with one winner who then changes something only for his own loyal supporters – or only the millions of dollars donating part of it -. Democracy means standing up for the entire people, including the opponent’s supporters and non-voters, and especially for minorities who cannot protect themselves. Democracy means standing up for the institutions that support it: a free press, an independent judiciary, and a representative body that can control power without burden or consultation.
It will require something from the opposition in the coming years, in the US and in Europe, to protect that democracy. This starts with not just shouting that the opponent is no good (because racist, misogynist, inciter), but being genuinely curious about the other person, about why the voter voted for Trump or radical right-wing leaders.
It is unwise to dismiss that voter as someone who does not understand how the economy works or does not understand the benefits of migration or a diverse society. Or to point out that he did not realize the consequences of another four years of Trump. Trump was not wild cardas in 2016. This time the voter knew what he was choosing.
The liberal center will not only have to listen to concerns – that is easy and was a half-soft solution in recent decades – but will have to come up with a solid answer about what the voter’s life could look like, taking those concerns into account. Without preaching moralism, and by putting aside boundless confidence in one’s own right.
Conversely, something is also asked of those who, against their better judgment, have been guided by disinformation and choose not to be curious, but only interested in their own fate.
In short, it requires openness, tolerance, and reasonableness. Old-fashioned nineteenth century liberal concepts perhaps, but ones that should still matter in 2025.