By Matt Underwood Murphy: Trump is attempting to transform the US into something closer to a totalitarian state. This is a chilling thought, but the pieces of the puzzle seem to be falling into place. Many feel that this transition is already underway, a gradual erosion of democratic norms and institutions, happening right before our eyes. The question now isn’t if he’s trying, but rather, how do we stop him?
The core concern revolves around a shift towards a system of governance where individual liberties are diminished, and the power of the state is absolute. Some feel that Trump is not operating in isolation, that he’s a figurehead for a broader movement, encompassing elements of the Republican Party, the Supreme Court, and powerful financial interests, all seemingly converging on this goal.
It’s a process, of course. The concern is that they are not being up front and honest about it. The actions of the administration are often seen as moving in this direction. This involves weakening the checks and balances, undermining the rule of law, and creating an environment where dissent is discouraged or even punished. Some feel that the transition has already taken hold.
The critique raises a few questions. Are we witnessing a deliberate dismantling of democratic structures, or are these actions driven by a different set of motives? Is it simply about power, or are there deeper ideological goals at play?
Critics point to specific examples to support their claims. The Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society are mentioned as key players in developing a plan to move the US away from the Constitution. There is the perceived lack of a coherent strategy on the part of the opposition. The focus, they feel, is on the “warning” and not enough on what to do about it. The concerns about Project 2025, a blueprint for conservative governance, echo these concerns.
It’s tempting to dismiss these concerns as alarmist. But the historical record suggests that democracies can be fragile and susceptible to authoritarian tendencies. The warning is, we must pay attention to the erosion of long-held principles.
The situation is serious enough that it has already begun to change. From a lawless and unconstitutional administration, the only way is resistance. The critics are not surprised. They believe that this outcome was known when Trump was voted into office. Those who supported Trump knew what he was, and what he wanted.
The implications are far-reaching. The core principles of democracy are in question. John Locke’s principles of government are being challenged. Originalism is a convenient tool for twisting the law to fit a pre-determined outcome.
The distinction between fascism and totalitarianism is also relevant. While both are forms of authoritarianism, there are key differences. Fascism often relies on racial, religious, and political hierarchies, which can lead to violence. Totalitarianism is more concerned with manipulating economic class structures.
The question of what will happen in the future is still open. There is no doubt that the donors and special interests will play a role in shaping the direction of the country. This is the reality that many people in this country voted for. They want to be served by an autocrat/dictator.