Recent polling data indicates a significant downturn in President Donald Trump’s approval ratings. Several polls, including those from Ipsos/Reuters and the American Research Group, show Trump’s net approval at record lows for his second term. While the Morning Consult poll did not reflect an all-time low, it still showed a notable decline in his approval. Despite some polls recording slight gains, the overall trend points to a decline, potentially influenced by factors such as tariffs and the U.S.’s potential involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran.
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The escalating use of “authoritarianism” reflects the rise of authoritarian regimes globally, undermining democratic institutions. A significant portion of political scientists and Americans perceive a trajectory towards authoritarianism in the U.S., particularly associating it with figures like Donald Trump. Authoritarianism differs from totalitarianism in its intensity; totalitarianism exerts complete control over society, encompassing a developed ideology and charismatic leadership fostering fervent loyalty. Conversely, authoritarianism often lacks a cohesive ideology and relies on a passive population to maintain power. The United States currently faces a similar crisis of modernization as early 20th-century Germany, exhibiting advanced sectors alongside significant economic and cultural backwardness, making it vulnerable to a prolonged period of authoritarian rule.
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John Q. Hosedrinker