Recent actions by Donald Trump to consolidate power and target political enemies have drawn comparisons to authoritarian regimes, with rapid and overt moves that threaten democratic norms.

Trump has suggested measures like revoking media licenses and directing federal law enforcement against opponents, including prosecuting former officials and targeting groups funding Democratic causes.

Despite these concerning developments, media and public engagement remain crucial in defending democratic values, with many hopeful that resistance will persist.

The U.S. still maintains strong institutions, judicial independence, and a decentralized system that have so far prevented full authoritarian control, unlike countries such as Venezuela or Turkey.

Institutions like independent courts and a free press provide resilience, and waning public support for Trump could hinder his efforts to consolidate power.

Trump has also attempted to influence health policy and floated economic bailouts for allied nations, indicating a broader scope of his influence beyond politics.

U.S. institutions successfully checked Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election, but recent actions suggest a more direct attack on democracy, raising concerns about future risks.

Some Republican leaders have criticized Trump’s tactics, emphasizing the importance of free speech and judicial independence amid these developments.

The FCC has threatened to revoke licenses of stations critical of Trump, which many view as an attempt at censorship and suppression of dissent.

Trump has removed obstacles to prosecutions by firing resistant U.S. attorneys and installing loyalists, actively shaping legal proceedings against his foes.

While the U.S. has so far prevented full authoritarian collapse, Trump’s tactics mark a concerning shift toward autocratic tendencies.

He has expanded military use outside traditional frameworks, including strikes on alleged drug boats and deploying troops to Democratic-led cities, raising alarms about unchecked power.

Despite denying being an authoritarian, Trump has pardoned Capitol attack participants, threatened judges, and deployed troops to suppress protests, eroding democratic norms.