Fact Check: Is Trump becoming a dictator?

Fact-Check: "Is Trump becoming a dictator?"

What We Know

The claim that Donald Trump is becoming a dictator has been a topic of significant debate among political analysts and scholars. According to Harvard professor Steven Levitsky, who specializes in the study of democracy and authoritarianism, the Trump administration has already caused substantial damage to American democracy. He argues that the U.S. is at risk of sliding into a form of governance he describes as "competitive authoritarianism," where elections occur but are marred by systematic abuses of power that disadvantage opposition parties.

Levitsky points out that the United States' score on the Freedom House index has declined from the low 90s to 83 between 2014 and 2021, indicating a deterioration in democratic quality, placing the U.S. below countries like Argentina and Romania. This decline is attributed to factors such as political violence, threats against politicians, and the refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election (NPR).

Conversely, Trump himself has publicly denied aspirations to dictatorship, stating, “I’m not a dictator. I just know how to stop crime” (CNN). He has emphasized that many people might prefer a dictator if it meant safety from crime, suggesting a complex relationship between his rhetoric and the perceptions of his supporters (CNN).

Analysis

The evidence surrounding Trump's potential drift towards authoritarianism is mixed. On one hand, Levitsky's analysis is grounded in a well-established academic framework regarding the decline of democracies, making his claims credible. His use of the Freedom House index as a benchmark provides a quantifiable measure of democratic health, which supports the assertion that the U.S. is experiencing a decline in democratic norms (NPR).

On the other hand, Trump's assertions that he is not a dictator and his framing of the situation as a response to crime reflect a populist strategy that resonates with a segment of the electorate. Political scientist Daniel Treisman argues that while Trump exhibits authoritarian tendencies, he is not a dictator in the traditional sense, as he operates within the constitutional framework and has not eliminated political opposition (CNN). This perspective is crucial because it highlights the difference between authoritarian behavior and outright dictatorship.

The sources used in this analysis vary in their reliability. Levitsky's academic background lends weight to his claims, while Trump's statements are often seen through a lens of skepticism due to his history of controversial rhetoric. The CNN articles provide a balanced view by including expert opinions that challenge and support the claim, making them a reliable source for understanding the nuances of the debate.

Conclusion

The claim that Trump is becoming a dictator is Partially True. While there are credible concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the rise of authoritarian practices during his administration, Trump has not fully transitioned the U.S. into a dictatorship as traditionally defined. His actions and rhetoric suggest a consolidation of power that raises alarms among political analysts, yet he continues to operate within a democratic framework that allows for elections and political opposition. Thus, the situation is complex, and while there are authoritarian tendencies, they do not equate to outright dictatorship.