Behind the slogans lies a consistent strategy: create an enemy, discredit independent institutions, suppress dissent, concentrate authority in one office. The debate is ultimately over whether constitutional limits still matter.
The political landscape in the United States has always been marked by diverse ideologies and philosophies. In recent years, the rise of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) political movement created by Mr. Trump has provided him with an opportunity to garner significant attention, stir debates, and secure power. While some view MAGA to be a patriotic and empowering movement, it is crucial to unpack what is behind this movement: The quest for the unbridled power of a few at the expense of our democracy, our republic.
Although there are no doubt many more, here are several examples of this quest.
“America First” Assumes an Enemy
At the core of the Trump/MAGA philosophy lies a destructive brand of populist nationalism which he calls “America First.” Its rhetoric often portrays those who align with the movement as “true patriots,” creating an us-versus-them mentality that fosters divisions, and which serves as a basic building block of an authoritarian regime. The emphasis on protecting U.S. interests above all else leads to a distorted sense of nationalistic pride, fueling xenophobia and eroding the principles of inclusivity that underpin American plurality.
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To achieve this, Mr. Trump needs enemies from which to “protect us.” Cue “the immigrant.” Never mind that, with the one vital exception of the indigenous peoples, everyone populating this country comes from immigrant roots. To establish himself on the road to autocracy, Trump has chosen “the immigrant in America” as the existential enemy he needs. He stoked fear (“they are eating your pets and stealing your vote”), followed by physical assault (most recently ending with two unjustified deaths at the hands of ICE), then incarceration in concentration camps, and mass deportation.
Undermine Trust in Established Institutions
The established institutions and mainstream media presented obstacles to this authoritarian grab; hence Mr. Trump’s relentless attacks to undermine the public’s trust in those pillars of our republic. By consistently labeling media sources as “fake news” and questioning the validity of democratic processes, this Oval Office occupant perpetuates doubt, eroding the foundation of government. The Framers built US political institutions and the free press as a protection against leadership’s own worst impulses. A strong democracy thrives on diversity of opinion and an informed citizenry, both of which threaten the autocrat. In his effort to undermine both, Mr. Trump has benefitted from a news service in his pocket. Fox News, despite having been proven to be liars in a court of law (Dominion Voting Systems defamation), continues to stoke right-wing fear and resentment of these institutions.
Control the Narrative
Mr. Trump’s efforts rely heavily on dominating and framing events through repeated messaging that regularly has little basis in truth and frequently conflicts with findings from what remains of our independent institutions. This enables him to enhance his authority and persona as the sole “decider” who is uniquely able to fix what he defines as entrenched problems by bypassing the establishment that he disdains. This phenomenon impairs effective governance, as policy decisions are based on his own twisted perceptions of reality rather than research and diverse expert opinions.
Stifle Dissent
At the same time, Mr. Trump must discourage dissent and stifle critical voices. This effort began with the press and quickly moved on to public figures. Those on both sides of the aisle who voice oppositional criticism of Mr. Trump are subjected to personal attacks, branding them with silly names, then as “ugly” or “stupid,” and most recently as “unpatriotic,” “Communist,” and traitorous. This targeting and rhetoric can infect the general public, creating fear and a hostile environment, inhibiting healthy discourse in general, and shrinking the space for constructive criticism, which can ultimately disappear. Our republic needs dissent. It plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation, accountability, and ensuring checks and balances. Dissent should never be synonymous with disloyalty.
Isolationism
Mr. Trump’s authoritarian actions have inevitably led to the erosion of productive relationships with our allies around the world. By prioritizing narrowly defined national interests, this position has blown up America’s role as a global leader. Such isolationism weakens international cooperation, endangers vital global economic interests and security agreements, such as NATO. A strong democracy balances national interests with active global engagement. Most of the governments of the world view Mr. Trump’s policies as dangerously delusional. America under his administration is perceived to be no longer trustworthy. The damage done to our reputation globally is egregious.
The choice by this Oval Office to go to war with Iran has resulted in increased isolation of the US: Trump declared war without the constitutionally mandated consultation with Congress, and without consultation with our allies, whom he then condemned for not coming to America’s aid when his war plans went south. This White House furthermore ignored cautions from both the Pentagon and US intelligence community. This White House has repeatedly told the American people that the war is won, only to see hostilities restart repeatedly, and more Americans die. It is also worth remembering that this is a president who promised the American people there would be “no more forever wars” under his administration.
Tragically, although Mr. Trump appears to be much diminished in the current political climate, his MAGA movement is still very much intact. It is essential to recognize the potential danger it poses to our form of government. Polarization, erosion of institutional trust, diminished evidence-based policymaking, suppression of dissent, assault on international alliances, and unnecessary war all threaten the health and vibrancy of processes crucial for our nation’s future. To add insult to injury, Mr. Trump’s outrageous corruption and mendacity are both fully on display and undeniable.
There are no doubt reasons for right-wing resentment. However, burning the house down and installing himself as a dictator, which seems to be this president’s predilection, is not the answer.
© 2026 The Steady State