When entering the majestic great hall of the US Department of Justice, Donald Trump paused to admire his own portrait before getting on a stage specially built for the occasion. Behind him, two Art Deco statues that symbolize the “spirit of justice” and the “Majesty of Justice” had been carefully hidden after a heavy blue velvet curtain.
The president, who since last year is also a convicted criminal, took the opportunity to rant against his enemies, launch a rude and accuse the press of acting in a “totally illegal” way without presenting evidence. “I just hope everyone can see it,” he told the employees of the Department of Justice. “But it’s totally illegal.”
The violation of the traditional independence of the Department of Justice It was neither shocking nor surprising. The episode quickly faded in the whirlwind of the news chaos. However, historians could consider it A milestone on the path of the oldest democracy in the world towards an unthinkable destination: authoritarianism.
Trump has undermined the Federal Government and subject to Congress. He has challenged judicial orders, delegitimated judges, deported immigrants and detained protesters without due process. He has pressed universities and media, promoting self -censorship. Backed by a right -wing media ecosystem that reinforces its narrative and a divided and weak opposition, its power concentration project advances without major obstacles.
“The alarms are lit,” warns Tara Setmayer, former communication director of the Trump Republican and Critical Party. “We approach a maximum alert level for our democracy and many in the media and in the opposition do not seem to transmit it with the necessary urgency. The most dangerous is the normalization of this process.”
The warnings of Trump, who He tried a coup on January 6, 2021could destroy American democracy were repeated during their electoral campaign. He promised on television to be “dictator, but only for one day.” Now, after 60 days in power, the question is whether those warnings were strong enough.
On 45.. And does not hide its intentions. Has declared that “we are the Federal Law” and published His images with a crown And the phrase “long life to the king”. He has summoned Napoleon with the phrase: “Who saves his country does not violate any law”. Phrase that some here interpreted as a wink to Javier Milei. But Trump only saves himself.
One of his first acts was to pardon those responsible for the attack on the Capitol and place loyal in the FBI and the Army. The Department of Justice has purged, which caused resignations in protest of the dismissal of corruption charges against the mayor of New York, Eric Adams, after it agreed to harden migratory policies.
Trump now points against the courts. Your government ignored the order of a judge who blocked the deportation of 250 Venezuelans to El Salvadorusing a law of 1798 designed for war times. Then, he publicly attacked Judge James Boasberg, describing him as “corrupt” and asking for his dismissal. The response of the president of the Supreme Court, John Roberts, was unusual: “Desitution is not an appropriate response to a judicial ruling.” In an interview with Fox News, Trump denied challenging judicial orders, but warned: “We have very bad judges. At some point, we must ask what to do with rebel judges.”
Presidential ex -advisor David Fum warned on social networks: “Almost all Trump’s actions are intentionally illegal. He is betting that the US democratic system is too broken to stop it.” Mass deportations are just an example of the abuse of power. Recently, 40 undocumented immigrants were sent to Guantanamo prison, until a judge ordered his return to continental territory. Observers warn that the government is testing the public limits before justifying even more drastic measures, such as invoking the insurrection law to suppress demonstrations.
The media control is another alarming signal. Trump has vetoed journalists from official events, demanded to critical means and launched investigations against NPR and PBS. His administration suspended funds for Radio Free Asia and fired Voice of America, a broadcaster in 1942 to counteract the Nazi propaganda.
Foreign policy reflects its internal vision. He has questioned the US commitment to NATO and has favored Russia in negotiations on war in Ukraine. He has praised authoritarian leaders such as Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un, replicating Viktor Orbán strategies in Hungary, who dismantled the judicial system and co-opted the means to consolidate his power.
The greatest danger is the lack of resistance. Trump’s approval has reached its highest level with 47%, while its border security management is backed by 55% of voters. In Congress, Republicans are more loyal than ever, avoiding any criticism for fear of reprisals in social networks or electoral challenges financed by allies such as Elon Musk.
Democrats, in contrast, seem paralyzed. Chuck Schumer, minority leader in the Senate, supported a republican budget that cuts funds for housing, education and transport. Although he argued that he avoided a government closure, his decision generated indignation between progressive activists and legislators.
The last line of defense could be the judiciary. Until now, courts have blocked dozens of Trump initiatives, including attempts to eliminate federal agencies and end citizens by birth. However, the president continues to challenge these decisions and The possibility of a constitutional crisis is real.
The lawyer Norm Eisen, who has led demands against government abuses, recognizes the seriousness of the situation: “Trump is pushing the country towards authoritarianism. The good news is that he has found firm legal resistance. But if your administration ignores judicial orders, the future of our democracy will be in danger. “
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