Trump’s Second Term: A Move Towards Authoritarianism?

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In the early weeks of Donald Trump’s second presidential term, analysts are warning of alarming trends that mirror Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, described by some as "electoral autocracy." Chris Murphy, a Democratic senator from Connnecticut, likened Trump’s actions to those of "would-be dictators" as he aggressively dismisses critics, targets media outlets, and rewrites governmental protocols, echoing Orbán's consolidation of power.

Trump’s administration has introduced measures reminiscent of Orbán's Hungary, including purging federal agencies of dissenters and implementing hardline immigration policies. Notably, he pardoned nearly 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 riot, stoking concerns about a politically biased judicial system.

The administration is enlisting allies like Elon Musk to undermine traditional media and enact far-right policies, such as banning transgender athletes from women’s sports. Critics, including former officials, emphasize the unprecedented disruption to democratic norms under Trump, which threatens the fabric of US governance. Larry Jacobs of the University of Minnesota concluded, "In a real sense, US democracy has died this month," raising alarms over the erosion of checks and balances in the federal government.

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