The Death of Democracy in the U.S.

The day Donald Trump won a second term.

What could be the day that U.S. democracy died.

The big losers in this election are the American people. 

That a racist, misogynist, hate mongering narcissist who thrives on creating chaos and destroying the institutions of democracy obtained almost 50 percent of the popular vote underscores the decline of American democracy and the rise of American authoritarianism – a bad omen for a world struggling against populism and authoritarianism.

Trump has been a singularly despicable President, a man without soul or heart. A self-centered man without conscience, ethics or empathy.

His only interest is to impose and deify his self-ascribed his superiority over all regardless of the cost or consequences.

With this electoral result, he can now complete his undeclared but undeniable mission to destroy U.S. institutions that have lasted over two centuries, as well as the global order that has ensured peace between major powers and prosperity since 1945.

In his first term in office, Trump questioned the legitimacy of the nation’s media, legislative bodies, and constitutional separation of powers. In the midst of the worse pandemic in over a century he has worked tirelessly to debunk scientific knowledge and expertise and instead has focused his energies on proposing and following ridiculous and dangerous courses of action. Yet somehow, he still got elected.

Internationally, he has destroyed a fine diplomatic service, as well as the credibility of the United States as a global leader. He has lambasted allies for perceived shortcomings, lauded despots and human rights violators, pursued outlandish conspiracy theories, and attacked alliances that have produced real results over the years.

At home, he has sown the seeds of hatred and division, disparaged expertise, and applauded and encouraged the reverence of a cult of ignorance.

He has attacked minorities with a cruelty unseen since pre-civil rights days, removed health care from millions, supported fundamental Christian policies that remove the rights of women to control their bodies and reproductive decisions, reduced support for education and diminished its quality, and eliminated most environmental controls and policies essential to address global climate change.

As well, his management of the pandemic can only be described as ignorant and evil – ignorant for his constant attacks on the medical and scientific community to enhance his standing amongst his base, and evil by minimizing the suffering of the tens of millions of U.S. citizens who have fallen ill – many with no health insurance – and disparaging the deaths of over 250 thousand Americans and the suffering if their friends and families.

His constant mendacity has broken new ground among politicians who can normally be shamed once they are caught lying. Instead, Trump doubles down and his followers accept his lies as gospel truth. Anyone who calls him out becomes a target of vicious attacks. Trump is the eternal victim – responsible for nothing, sensitive to any criticism or lack of fawning.

Finally, he has criticized veterans and soldiers, calling them “losers and suckers”, and asking why they would volunteer to fight for their country. He has criticized “gold star” families – families of those who have given their lives in service of the United States – and labelled them as “fake” – his favorite method for dismissing anyone who disagrees with him.

Four more years of a Trump administration will very likely destroy the United States that I once knew and admired and replace it with an authoritarian state where might is right and right is disparaged.

What a sad ending to a once respected global leader.

*This article is written before the announcement of a winner in the U.S. election in order to outline the challenges I believe will face the United States under each leader.

Edición: Laura Espejo