Fact Check: America is becoming a dictatorship

Fact Check: America is becoming a dictatorship

Published July 21, 2025
by TruthOrFake AI
±
VERDICT
Partially True

# Fact Check: "America is becoming a dictatorship" ## What We Know The claim that "America is becoming a dictatorship" has gained traction in recent ...

Fact Check: "America is becoming a dictatorship"

What We Know

The claim that "America is becoming a dictatorship" has gained traction in recent years, particularly during and after Donald Trump's presidency. Various political scientists and scholars have expressed concerns about the erosion of democratic norms in the United States. A survey conducted by Bright Line Watch, which included over 500 political scientists, indicated that the majority believe the U.S. is moving away from liberal democracy toward authoritarianism. After Trump's election, the rating of American democracy dropped from 67 to 55 on a scale where 0 represents a complete dictatorship and 100 represents a perfect democracy (NPR).

Congresswoman Betty McCollum has also publicly stated that Trump expressed a desire to be a dictator and has taken actions she deems unconstitutional, such as freezing federal funding, which she argues undermines the rule of law and threatens national security (McCollum). Scholars like Steven Levitsky have characterized the current state of American democracy as one that is "no longer living in a democratic regime," suggesting that while the U.S. may not resemble a classic dictatorship, it is sliding toward a form of competitive authoritarianism (NPR).

Analysis

The assertion that America is becoming a dictatorship is complex and requires careful consideration of the evidence. On one hand, the findings from political scientists suggest a consensus that democratic norms are under threat. The decline in the Bright Line Watch ratings indicates a significant concern among experts about the state of democracy in the U.S. (NPR). Furthermore, Levitsky's comments about the erosion of checks and balances and the targeting of dissenting voices align with historical patterns seen in other nations that have transitioned to authoritarian regimes (NPR).

However, it is essential to note that not all political scientists agree with the alarmist view. Some argue that Trump's actions, while controversial, are within the bounds of presidential powers and reflect a legitimate approach to governance (NPR). Critics of the authoritarian narrative often point out that the U.S. still holds elections and maintains some democratic institutions, albeit under strain.

The sources used in this analysis vary in reliability. Scholarly articles and surveys from established institutions like Bright Line Watch are generally credible, while opinions from political figures may carry inherent biases. For instance, McCollum's statements are politically motivated, reflecting her position as a Democrat opposing Trump (McCollum). Thus, while the evidence suggests a troubling trend, the interpretation of these events can vary significantly based on political perspective.

Conclusion

The claim that "America is becoming a dictatorship" is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence indicating a decline in democratic norms and an increase in authoritarian tendencies, the situation is not as clear-cut as a transition to a classic dictatorship. The U.S. retains some democratic processes, but the erosion of checks and balances and the targeting of dissent raise valid concerns about the future of democracy in the country.

Sources

  1. Donald Trump is Making Good on his Promise to be a Dictator ...
  2. U.S. is sliding toward authoritarianism, hundreds of ...
  3. Harvard professor offers a grim assessment of American ...
  4. Opinion | We've had 'constitutional dictatorships' before. ...
  5. Trump's 'bald power grab' could set US on path to ...
  6. John Roberts Is Building a Presidential Dictatorship - The ...
  7. Science Tells Us the U.S. Is Heading toward a Dictatorship
  8. Authoritarian America Is happening - The Gazette

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Fact Check: America is becoming a dictatorship | TruthOrFake Blog