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In a reflection published by Benjamin E. Goldsmith, a professor at the University of Sydney, he raises concerns about the future of U.S. democracy, particularly with Donald Trump's re-election. Goldsmith argues that the erosion of political culture and respect for democratic norms within the political elite could lead to an illiberal political system. He states that without key democratic values, such as a robust free press and rule of law, the U.S. could transition to a regime resembling electoral autocracy. Goldsmith posits that Trump's governance style, characterized by a disregard for established democratic practices, may dismantle the fundamental underpinnings of democracy in favor of personal power. He warns that a potential outcome of this decline would result in a world dominated by non-democratic military powers, shifting global governance towards nationalism and reducing the emphasis on human rights. The professor emphasizes that the implications of this shift could reshape international relations dramatically, ending an era where liberal democracy served as a guiding principle for U.S. foreign policy.

Severe storms, including tornadoes, wildfires, and dust storms, have resulted in at least 39 fatalities across seven U.S. states since Friday, March 15, 2025. In Tylertown, Mississippi, a tornado destroyed numerous homes, displacing more than 200 residents and claiming six lives, according to Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. The weather disturbances began with wildfires in Oklahoma that ravaged approximately 400 homes, primarily in Stillwater, where four deaths were reported. Emergency officials described the situation as "insurmountable" due to strong winds and low humidity exacerbating the fires. As tornadoes caused destruction in Alabama, Arkansas, and Missouri, at least three fatalities were confirmed in Alabama alone. In Missouri, rescue teams recovered five bodies from the rubble of damaged homes in Wayne County. Additionally, dust storms led to a catastrophic highway crash in Kansas, resulting in eight deaths amid a pileup involving over 50 vehicles. Residents across affected areas are now beginning cleanup efforts as authorities assess the extensive damage inflicted by these severe weather events.

In a significant move, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order on March 21, 2025, aimed at "eliminating" the federal Department of Education, marking a long-standing goal of conservative factions seeking more state control over education. During a ceremony at the White House, flanked by schoolchildren, Trump proclaimed, “We’re going to return education back to the states where it belongs” and asserted that the department “is doing us no good." The Education Department, established in 1979, cannot be completely abolished without Congressional approval; however, Trump's directive focuses on cutting its funding and staffing. Education Secretary Linda McMahon was instructed to facilitate the department's closure, with Trump stating that “hopefully she will be our last secretary of education.” Critics, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, condemned the initiative as a “tyrannical power grab,” while Republicans lauded it as a necessary step to enhance educational standards. Trump's administration has been marked by aggressive restructuring of government agencies, and juxtaposed with recent efforts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development.