One of the more startling episodes in US president Donald Trump’s recent tenure was the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles amidst protests. The protesters were against Trump’s arrests and deportation of immigrants. His narrative frames illegal immigrants primarily as a criminal menace, a portrayal that has sparked protests in Los Angeles and other cities. Federal immigration raids, which have resulted in mass arrests, have galvanized local communities and rekindled long-standing resistance against what many see as racially motivated policies of exclusion and criminalization. As a consequence, this led to more violence and threatens to spread across several states. Trump’s use of federal power appears increasingly arbitrary, often entangling constitutional rights of free speech and action. His response reveal a leadership style rooted in authoritarian instincts, where loyalty and obedience are prioritized over civil liberties and due process. Trump’s strategy extends beyond domestic policy into the realm of personal vendettas. One may note this with how he leveraged his relationship with tech billionaire Elon Musk, particularly regarding policies affecting electric vehicle incentives. Despite making Musk his man and after appointing him to do his dirty work as head of Department of Government Efficiency(DOGE), Trump pulled the rug from under Musk’s feet after the latter criticized the bill. The bill exposed Musk’s company, Tesla to lose a millions of dollars of tax benefits due to legislative changes, which threatened his personal wealth, heavily tied to Tesla stock. Musk’s discontent with Trump’s policies reflects the complex interplay of business interests and political power, raising questions about the influence of economic elites in shaping policy directions. Musk is only one of the many who Trump used and disposed off. Throughout his rhetoric, Trump has exploited fears around liberalism and the burgeoning influence of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, framing them as threats to traditional American values. While DEI policies aim to promote fairness and representation, their excesses have fueled polarization and accusations of societal fragmentation. In the context of a Democrat-led government, these initiatives have only grown more prominent, often serving as targets for Trump’s populist appeals. His portrayal of liberalism as an existential threat has helped him rally a base that perceives their cultural identity and economic prospects are under siege. Trump’s economic policies are predominantly driven by a business mindset rooted in market speculation and disruption. His tariffs and trade tactics are intentionally disruptive, designed to shake up the economy in a way that prioritizes American interests-though often at the expense of global stability. His rhetoric leans heavily on nationalism, emphasizing issues like immigration control and border security. Yet, beneath these policies lies a broader concern about his approach to democracy itself. Critics argue that Trump’s actions-illegal firings of federal workers, seizure of congressional funds, and the clandestine deportations-threaten the constitutional fabric of the United States. His emphasis on “law and order” often morphs into weaponization of executive power, turning governance into a tool for political revenge rather than a system for collective welfare. His behavior underscores a leadership style that demands unwavering support, dismisses opposition as unpatriotic, and elevates majoritarianism over democratic pluralism. Ultimately, Trump’s presidency epitomizes a form of authoritarian populism fueled by distrust, polarization, and an obsession with power. His actions challenge fundamental democratic principles, demanding a critical assessment of whether his brand of leadership aligns with the true ideals of American democracy, or if it signifies a dangerous drift towards authoritarianism cloaked in nationalist rhetoric.
Saturday, July 19, 2025