Overall, Garton Ash underscores that the survival of US democracy hinges on immediate action within the next 400 days, with the upcoming midterms serving as a critical turning point.

He identifies four major threats to US democracy: excessive executive power, gerrymandering, political violence, and exploitation of capitalist competition, with a historical trend showing presidential power expanding over time.

US society faces high levels of violence, including frequent shootings and political violence like the Capitol attack, raising fears of escalation that could justify military intervention or emergency powers.

Looking ahead to 2028, Garton Ash emphasizes that the primary goal remains winning the next election, as the survival of democracy depends on it.

Garton Ash highlights the erosion of democratic norms due to Trump's actions, the weak resistance to these assaults, and the difficulty of restoring a liberal democracy once significant damage has been done.

Concerns are mounting over voter suppression, Trump's threats to ban mail-in ballots, and the potential impact on the fairness of the 2026 midterm elections, emphasizing the need for free and fair voting.

Timothy Garton Ash warns that Americans have roughly 400 days to take decisive action to preserve their democracy, emphasizing the urgency ahead of the 2026 midterm elections to curb Donald Trump's influence and ensure a peaceful transfer of power.

Garton Ash stresses that regaining control of the House in 2026 is crucial for Democrats, not just for policy but to restore Congress's role as a check on presidential power, which is currently compromised.

He advises Democrats to focus on economic issues and the tangible costs of Trump’s policies to appeal to voters, rather than solely emphasizing democratic defense or cultural issues.

Trump's tariffs and policies are causing higher prices and increasing national debt, which could influence voters if economic hardships become evident before the elections, possibly prompting populist measures.

The economic impact of Trump's policies might be offset by pre-election incentives like cash handouts, but the broader damage to democratic norms remains a critical concern.

During a recent seven-week visit, Garton Ash observed rapid assaults on democratic norms by Trump and noted the weak resistance from institutions like universities, media, and businesses, which are hesitant due to fears of reprisals.

The flawed US electoral boundary drawing process, worsened by gerrymandering and Supreme Court rulings, further complicates efforts to ensure fair representation amid increasing polarization.