Fact Check: The USA democracy is in a dire situation since Trump's election

The Claim: "The USA democracy is in a dire situation since Trump's election"

Introduction

The assertion that "the USA democracy is in a dire situation since Trump's election" reflects concerns about the state of democratic institutions and practices in the United States following Donald Trump's electoral victory in 2024. This claim has been echoed by various experts and analysts who argue that Trump's leadership poses significant threats to democratic norms and processes. However, the context and evidence surrounding this claim require careful examination.

What We Know

1. Electoral Context: Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election against Vice President Kamala Harris, while the Senate flipped party control, and the House remained under Republican control 1. This political landscape has raised alarms about the implications for democracy.

2. Erosion of Democratic Norms: Experts have noted that the erosion of democracy in the U.S. is not solely attributable to Trump but is also linked to broader trends such as the politicization of election administration, gerrymandering, and voter disenfranchisement 2. A Brookings Institution study from 2023 highlights these issues as contributing factors to democratic decline.

3. Threats to Democratic Institutions: A report from the V-Dem Institute indicates that the U.S. could be at risk of losing its status as a democracy, citing various actions taken by Trump that may undermine democratic principles 5. This includes efforts to challenge the legitimacy of elections and intimidate voters.

4. Public Perception: Polls show that a significant portion of the American public, especially among Republicans, continues to believe that the 2020 election was stolen, which may contribute to ongoing divisions and distrust in electoral processes 8.

5. International Perspective: A global report noted that there were more autocracies than democracies worldwide in 2024, with experts expressing concern about the trajectory of American democracy under Trump's leadership 6.

Analysis

The claim regarding the dire state of U.S. democracy since Trump's election is supported by a variety of sources, but these sources vary in their credibility and potential biases:

• Brookings Institution: A well-respected think tank, Brookings provides research that is generally considered reliable. However, it is important to note that its studies may reflect a liberal perspective, which could influence interpretations of democratic erosion 23.

• Harvard University: The Center for European Studies at Harvard has published analyses warning about threats to democracy, which are backed by academic rigor. However, the framing of these threats may align with a particular political viewpoint 2.

• The New York Times: As a major news outlet, The New York Times offers comprehensive reporting on political issues. Nevertheless, it has been criticized for perceived liberal bias, which may color its coverage of Trump and democracy 4.

• Public Opinion Research: Polling data from organizations like PRRI provides insight into public sentiment, but such data can be influenced by the phrasing of questions and the demographics of respondents, which should be taken into account when interpreting results 8.

• V-Dem Institute: This organization is known for its rigorous methodology in assessing democracy globally. However, its findings may be interpreted differently depending on the political context 5.

The methodology behind these claims often involves qualitative assessments and survey data, which can be subjective. Additional information that would enhance understanding includes longitudinal studies tracking changes in democratic practices over time and more detailed analyses of voter behavior and sentiment.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The claim that "the USA democracy is in a dire situation since Trump's election" is supported by a range of evidence indicating significant concerns about democratic erosion and threats to institutions. Key points include the political landscape following the 2024 election, the erosion of democratic norms, and public perceptions of electoral legitimacy. However, it is essential to recognize that these issues are complex and multifaceted, with factors extending beyond Trump's presidency, such as systemic political trends and historical context.

While the evidence suggests a troubling trajectory for U.S. democracy, the interpretation of this evidence can vary based on political perspectives and biases inherent in the sources. Additionally, the subjective nature of some methodologies used to assess democratic health introduces a degree of uncertainty.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the broader context when forming their own conclusions about the state of democracy in the United States.

Sources

1. After the elections, what's next for democracy? - Brookings. Link
2. Trump's Triumph Threatens an Already Battered Democracy, Experts Say - Harvard. Link
3. Dangerous cracks in US democracy pillars - Brookings. Link
4. Trump's Third Term Talk Defies Constitution and Tests Democracy - The New York Times. Link
5. U.S. could lose democracy status, says global watchdog - CBC. Link
6. Democracy Expert Raises Alarm About U.S. Trends Under Trump - U.S. News. Link
7. Can American democracy withstand Trump? - ODI. Link
8. Threats to American Democracy Ahead of an Unprecedented ... - PRRI. Link
9. Election Intimidation and Violence - V-Dem. Link
10. US swing toward autocracy doesn't have to be permanent - The Conversation. Link