Fact Check: The USA Democracy Can Survive Trump
What We Know
The assertion that "The USA democracy can survive Trump" is a complex claim that reflects ongoing debates about the resilience of American democratic institutions in the face of populist leadership. According to John Shattuck, a Senior Fellow at The American Prospect, the United States has experienced significant challenges to its democratic framework, particularly during and after Donald Trump's presidency. He notes that the U.S. was downgraded from a "full" to a "flawed democracy" by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2016, and Freedom House highlighted erosion in democratic institutions due to partisan manipulation and growing disparities in political influence (Shattuck, 2018).
Moreover, Harvard professor Steven Levitsky has expressed grave concerns about the state of American democracy, suggesting that it may break down under a second Trump administration. He argues that the U.S. is sliding toward "competitive authoritarianism," where democratic processes exist but are undermined by systematic abuses of power (Levitsky, 2025). This perspective is echoed by a survey of political scientists indicating a consensus that the U.S. is moving away from liberal democracy (NPR, 2025).
Conversely, some experts argue that while Trump’s presidency has posed serious threats to democratic norms, the foundational structures of U.S. democracy—such as the Constitution and civil society—remain intact and capable of adaptation and resilience (Hamada, 2025).
Analysis
The evidence surrounding the claim is multifaceted. On one hand, sources like Shattuck and Levitsky provide a dire outlook, emphasizing the erosion of democratic norms and the potential for authoritarianism. Levitsky's assertion that the U.S. democracy could cease to meet the criteria for a liberal democracy during a second Trump term is particularly alarming, as it suggests a fundamental shift in governance and civil liberties (Levitsky, 2025). This viewpoint is supported by data showing a decline in Freedom House's ratings for the U.S., which dropped from the low 90s to 83, indicating a significant deterioration in democratic quality (Levitsky, 2025).
On the other hand, the argument that U.S. democracy can survive Trump is bolstered by the resilience of democratic institutions historically. Shattuck references Alexis de Tocqueville's observation that America's greatness lies in its ability to repair its faults, suggesting that the U.S. has the capacity to recover from political crises (Shattuck, 2018). Additionally, some analysts argue that the political system's checks and balances, along with civic engagement, can counteract authoritarian tendencies (Hamada, 2025).
The reliability of the sources varies; while Shattuck and Levitsky are credible scholars with extensive backgrounds in political science, the interpretations of their findings can differ based on political biases. For instance, Freedom House and the Economist Intelligence Unit are respected organizations, but their assessments may reflect a particular ideological stance on democracy.
Conclusion
The claim that "The USA democracy can survive Trump" is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence indicating that Trump's presidency has posed significant threats to democratic norms and institutions, there is also a counter-narrative suggesting that the foundational aspects of U.S. democracy may endure and adapt. The ongoing debate reflects a divided perspective on the resilience of American democracy, highlighting both the challenges it faces and its potential for recovery.
