Fact Check: America is becoming authoritarian

Fact Check: "America is becoming authoritarian"

What We Know

The claim that "America is becoming authoritarian" has been supported by various political scientists and scholars who have conducted surveys and analyses of the current political landscape in the United States. A notable survey known as Bright Line Watch, which includes over 500 political scientists, indicates that a significant majority believe the U.S. is transitioning from liberal democracy toward authoritarianism. The survey results showed a drastic drop in the rating of American democracy from 67 to 55 shortly after the election of President Trump, suggesting a consensus among scholars that the country is moving in the wrong direction (NPR).

Additionally, experts like Steven Levitsky, a Harvard professor, have characterized the current state of American governance as "competitive authoritarianism," where democratic institutions are eroded while maintaining a facade of democracy. This form of governance is marked by the executive's increasing power and the undermining of checks and balances (NPR, Foreign Affairs). The erosion of democratic norms and institutions has been noted in various aspects, including media freedom, judicial independence, and political opposition (The Guardian).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim of America becoming authoritarian is substantial, particularly from credible academic sources. The Bright Line Watch survey reflects a broad consensus among political scientists, which lends significant weight to the assertion that the U.S. is experiencing a decline in democratic practices. The characterization of the U.S. as sliding toward "competitive authoritarianism" is particularly alarming, as it suggests a systematic undermining of democratic institutions rather than a complete authoritarian takeover (NPR, Foreign Affairs).

Moreover, the analysis of movements such as Project 2025, which outlines a far-right agenda aimed at consolidating power and dismantling checks and balances, further supports the claim of an authoritarian shift. This project explicitly aims to create an "imperial presidency," which would significantly increase executive power at the expense of democratic governance (American Progress, ACLU).

However, it is important to note that not all political scientists agree on the severity of the situation. Some argue that while there are concerning trends, the U.S. is not yet in a state of full authoritarianism akin to regimes like those in China or Russia. This perspective suggests that the situation is reversible, depending on political engagement and institutional resilience (NPR).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "America is becoming authoritarian" is supported by a significant body of evidence from political scientists and scholars who have documented a decline in democratic norms and an increase in authoritarian practices. The consensus among experts, as reflected in surveys and analyses, indicates that the U.S. is indeed moving toward a form of governance characterized by authoritarian tendencies, particularly under the influence of recent political developments.