Trump’s Power Moves Test the Limits of U.S. Democracy/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In his first six weeks back in office, President Donald Trump has taken unprecedented steps to consolidate power, testing the resilience of American democracy. He has pardoned Jan. 6 rioters, installed loyalists in key federal agencies, and dismissed investigations against allies. Meanwhile, his administration—led in part by billionaire Elon Musk—is aggressively cutting government programs, threatening media outlets, and defying court rulings. Critics warn these moves mirror tactics used by elected authoritarians worldwide, raising alarms among legal scholars, world leaders, and democracy advocates.
Trump’s Expansion of Power: Quick Look
- Jan. 6 rioters pardoned, DOJ investigations into Trump allies dropped.
- Loyalists installed in the FBI, DOJ, and military as federal agencies are purged.
- Threats against independent agencies, including the FCC, SEC, and FEC.
- European allies alarmed over Trump’s cozying up to Russia in Ukraine talks.
- Senate Democrats warn of a constitutional crisis, while Trump supporters call him a “strong leader.”
- Media outlets barred from government access, NPR and PBS under investigation.
Trump’s Power Moves Test the Limits of U.S. Democracy
Deep Look
A Rapid Power Grab
Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has wasted no time reshaping the federal government to consolidate power in ways never seen before in modern U.S. history.
In just six weeks, Trump has:
- Pardoned those convicted for storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
- Appointed close allies to top positions in the FBI, DOJ, and military, ensuring unwavering loyalty.
- Ordered federal agencies to drop investigations into his political allies.
- Threatened judges and suggested defying court rulings, raising concerns about his willingness to respect the judiciary.
Many experts see troubling similarities between Trump’s actions and those of elected autocrats who used democracy to seize power before dismantling it.
“Trump is using the classic elected authoritarian playbook,” said Brendan Nyhan, a political scientist at Dartmouth College.
The warning signs, experts say, are strikingly similar to tactics used by leaders like Viktor Orbán in Hungary or Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines.
Musk’s Role in Reshaping Government
Elon Musk—appointed by Trump to spearhead government restructuring—has been a key figure in slashing federal agencies.
“The people voted for major government reform, and that’s what they’re going to get,” Musk told reporters. “That’s what democracy is all about.”
However, democracy experts argue that Musk’s vision of democracy ignores essential checks and balances.
“The power you gain through the ballot box is not unlimited power. That’s the essence of liberal democracy,” said Kevin Casas-Zamora, a democracy advocate with the Stockholm-based International IDEA.
Despite lawsuits challenging Musk’s government overhaul, some courts have already allowed him to proceed, setting a dangerous precedent for executive overreach.
Politicizing Federal Law Enforcement
One of the most alarming signs of Trump’s growing control is his aggressive politicization of federal law enforcement.
- DOJ prosecutors were ordered to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams in exchange for cooperation on Trump’s immigration crackdown.
- Multiple senior DOJ officials resigned, warning that the agency was being used as a political weapon.
- Trump’s new U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., Ed Martin, previously defended Jan. 6 insurrectionists and is now investigating political opponents, including Senate Democrats.
Many former prosecutors and legal experts warn this represents a direct attack on the rule of law.
“This reminds me of something that has long been a staple of Latin American politics,” said Casas-Zamora, referencing authoritarian tactics used in nations with weaker democratic traditions.
Targeting the Media and Independent Agencies
Trump’s attacks on the free press have escalated significantly:
- Major news organizations were barred from Pentagon briefings and the White House.
- The FCC, under Trump’s appointee, launched an investigation into PBS and NPR, accusing them of bias against the administration.
- Trump’s executive order gave him direct control over independent regulatory agencies, including the SEC and Federal Election Commission.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) called Trump’s media crackdowns and alliance with Russia an “existential threat” to democracy.
“This Putin-Trump alliance means abandoning our allies, supporting authoritarianism, and undermining our democratic traditions,” Sanders wrote on social media.
International Alarm Over Trump’s Russia Policy
- Trump berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, suggesting Ukraine should make a deal with Russia or lose U.S. support.
- Moscow celebrated the exchange, while European leaders reacted in horror.
- Trump’s recent comments cast doubt on U.S. commitment to NATO, raising fears that Europe could be left to face Russia alone.
This sudden shift toward authoritarian-friendly foreign policy has deeply unsettled NATO allies.
“If anyone is gambling with World War III, it’s not Zelenskyy—it’s Vladimir Putin,” French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters.
What Happens Next?
With Trump’s power grab accelerating, many Democrats and legal scholars are sounding the alarm.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, drawing a chilling historical comparison, warned:
“It took the Nazis one month, three weeks, two days, eight hours, and 40 minutes to dismantle a constitutional republic.”
As Trump continues reshaping American institutions, the battle for democracy is far from over.
Key Questions Moving Forward
- Will Trump defy court rulings outright?
- Will Congress push back, or will Republicans remain loyal?
- Can European allies counter Trump’s growing alignment with Russia?
- Will Musk’s role in dismantling the federal government continue unchecked?
As the U.S. faces one of the greatest constitutional tests in its history, the strength of its democratic institutions will be put to the ultimate test.
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