Has the United States reached a turning point towards authoritarian rule?
In August 2020, historian and bestselling author Garrett Graff expressed concerns about the current political climate in the United States. Graff, known for his studies on American democracy and institutions, argued that the Democratic response to the situation has not been as sharp or forceful as it should be.
One of the issues that has caught Graff's attention is the presence of federal agents in Washington D.C., who have been operating in masks, without normal law enforcement identification and credentials, and in unmarked vehicles. Graff sees this as an abuse of civil rights and civil liberties, and it has led to a decrease in tourism and restaurant reservations, indicating a public response to the situation.
Graff is particularly concerned about the collapse of checks and balances in the Constitution by Congress and the Supreme Court, which were central to holding a president accountable in the Watergate era. He questions whether Americans are effectively pushing back against the president's actions, despite the lack of active opposition.
The president has been making headlines for his attempts to interfere with U.S. history, arts, and sports. For instance, he has tried to pressure Major League Baseball to induct Roger Clemens into the Hall of Fame. Moreover, he has threatened Intel, announcing that the U.S. government is taking 10% of the company in order for Intel to continue its work. The president has also levied what many say is an unconstitutional export tax on Nvidia, affecting its ability to sell chips to China.
Graff's analysis is grounded in these events, including the federal takeover of Washington D.C., the arrival of armed military units in the capital, and the search of John Bolton's home. He recently analyzed that the United States has "tipped over the edge into authoritarianism and fascism."
The president has also been making waves in the business world. In the past month, he has become the sole arbiter of what companies get to have what set of rules. Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, has reportedly handed the president literal pieces of gold in order to curry favor for Apple.
Despite the president's claims that he is not a dictator, he has stated in a cabinet meeting that he knows how to stop crime. The Trump administration is beginning to outline plans to hold on to power illegitimately in 2026 and beyond, potentially through methods such as redistricting and checkpoints on election day.
As the nation grapples with these developments, Garrett Graff's voice serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the protection of American democracy.
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