Fact Check: Steven levitsky thinks America is becoming authoritarian

Fact Check: Steven Levitsky Thinks America is Becoming Authoritarian

What We Know

Steven Levitsky, a Harvard professor and co-author of the book How Democracies Die, has expressed concerns about the state of American democracy, particularly under the Trump administration. In a recent interview, Levitsky stated that the Trump administration exhibits authoritarian characteristics, claiming that it represents "an all-out authoritarian assault, the likes of which we haven't seen in this country probably ever." He emphasizes that the current government is "much more authoritarian" compared to previous administrations, highlighting the lack of constraints on Trump's power and the presence of loyalists with authoritarian agendas in his administration.

Levitsky further elaborates on this theme in a 2025 report where he discusses the trajectory of American governance, suggesting that the U.S. is moving towards a form of "competitive authoritarianism." This term refers to a political system where elections occur, but the government employs authoritarian practices to maintain control and suppress dissent.

Analysis

Levitsky's assertions are supported by his extensive research on authoritarian regimes and the mechanisms through which democracies can deteriorate. His credibility is bolstered by his position as the director of the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard and his authorship of influential works on democracy and authoritarianism. In his discussions, he draws parallels between the actions of the Trump administration and those of authoritarian governments worldwide, particularly regarding attacks on institutions such as universities, which he argues are often targeted by autocrats to stifle dissent (NPR).

However, it's essential to consider the context and potential biases in Levitsky's perspective. As a scholar focused on democracy, his views may be influenced by a normative stance that values democratic governance. Critics of Levitsky's position might argue that labeling the Trump administration as authoritarian could be an exaggeration, reflecting a partisan viewpoint rather than an objective analysis of governance.

Despite these criticisms, the evidence Levitsky presents, including his observations of the administration's actions and policies, aligns with broader scholarly discussions about the erosion of democratic norms in the U.S. His insights are echoed by other political analysts who have noted similar trends in American politics (New York Magazine, Kettering Foundation).

Conclusion

The claim that Steven Levitsky thinks America is becoming authoritarian is True. Levitsky has articulated a clear argument that the current political climate, particularly under the Trump administration, exhibits authoritarian tendencies. His analysis is grounded in a well-established framework for understanding democratic backsliding, and he provides compelling evidence to support his claims. While some may dispute his conclusions, the overall consensus among political scientists and scholars of democracy aligns with his assessment.

Sources

1. The Path to American Authoritarianism - Ash Center
2. Harvard's Steven Levitsky says Trump administration acts ...
3. Harvard professor offers a grim assessment of American ...
4. How Will We Know When We Have Lost Our Democracy?
5. This Is Going Even Worse Than Steven Levitsky Expected
6. The New Authoritarianism: This Isn’t Single-Party Rule, But ...
7. The Path to American Authoritarianism
8. Harvard Professor Steven Levitsky: "Right Now, the U.S. Is ...