Trump and his supporters: A reckoning for democracy

As America continues to grapple with the legacy of Donald Trump, it has become increasingly clear that the former president and his loyal base are not merely disruptive forces in politics—they represent a deep and troubling erosion of the values that define democratic societies.

From spreading baseless conspiracy theories to emboldening hatred, Trump’s rhetoric and actions have left an indelible mark on the American political landscape, revealing a stark reality: he and his supporters are actively working to undermine the very institutions that sustain freedom, equality, and justice.

At the heart of Trumpism is a brand of populism that exploits the frustrations and fears of ordinary Americans. Trump’s ability to tap into deep-seated anger, particularly among white working-class voters, gave rise to a movement that is centered around a culture of grievance. His supporters—often rallying behind the idea of “taking America back”—view themselves as the victims of a country changing too rapidly, both socially and economically. They lash out at minorities, immigrants, and liberal elites, painting them as scapegoats for their perceived downfall.

However, it is not just the ideas espoused by Trump that are dangerous; it is the actions and behaviors that those ideas inspire. The insurrection on January 6, 2021, where a mob of Trump’s followers stormed the U.S. Capitol, was the culmination of years of violent rhetoric and unfounded claims about a “stolen election.” In the wake of that event, Trump’s continued refusal to accept defeat and his relentless promotion of conspiracy theories have only further fractured the nation’s unity. His followers, emboldened by his rhetoric, have engaged in attacks on lawmakers, public officials, and ordinary citizens who stand in opposition to his vision of America.

But the damage is not limited to the Capitol. Trump’s supporters have created a culture of division and intolerance that has seeped into every corner of American society. They champion policies that target the most vulnerable: efforts to restrict voting rights, dismantle healthcare access, and undermine protections for women, the LGBTQ+ community, and people of color. Trump’s most ardent followers have cheered on his administration’s cruel immigration policies, including family separations at the southern border, and rallied behind his dismissive attitude toward the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in the U.S.

More troubling still is the way Trump has normalized lies, misinformation, and the abuse of power. In his constant attacks on the media, the judiciary, and anyone who dares to question him, Trump has fostered an environment where truth no longer matters and public accountability is optional. His supporters, many of whom have come to view him as a messianic figure, seem willing to justify any means to secure his hold on power, even if it means sacrificing the country’s democratic principles in the process.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of Trump and his followers is the way they have injected hate into the mainstream. They have emboldened white nationalist groups, encouraged violence against political opponents, and cultivated a toxic sense of tribalism. Their brand of politics is not about unity, but about division—about creating an “us vs. them” mentality that sees anyone who disagrees with them as an enemy.

As the nation faces unprecedented challenges—from climate change to systemic inequality to a fractured political system—Trump and his supporters represent the worst of what America can become. Their refusal to engage in civil discourse, their embrace of violence, and their disdain for the principles of democracy have put the future of the nation at risk. The world is watching, and the question remains: can America recover from the damage done by those who have embraced Trump’s dangerous vision?