Trump’s first 100 day show he’s losing his war on democracy | Vox

Trump's Failing War on Democracy

This article analyzes Donald Trump's first 100 days in office, focusing on his efforts to undermine democratic institutions. It argues that despite initial appearances of success, Trump's attempts to consolidate power are failing due to a combination of factors.

Trump's flawed strategy

The article compares Trump's approach to that of Viktor Orbán in Hungary. While both aimed to weaken democratic institutions, Orbán employed a more subtle, incremental strategy, while Trump's approach was characterized by impulsive and poorly executed actions.

• Trump's actions, such as unilaterally ending birthright citizenship, directly violated the Constitution.
• His targeting of independent institutions, including the media and judiciary, faced significant resistance.
• His attempts to force compliance from elites and the public have largely failed.

Pushback and resistance

Trump's actions have met with significant pushback from various sectors:

• Courts have blocked several of his executive orders.
• The press has continued to provide critical coverage, despite threats.
• Major corporations and universities have actively resisted his policies.

Declining public support

Trump's approval ratings have plummeted across the board, including on issues like immigration, primarily due to the perceived overreach of his administration and his economic policies.

Reasons for failure

The article highlights two primary reasons for Trump's failure: strategic errors and incompetence. His impulsive actions have proven counterproductive, while his administration's tactical blunders have alienated potential allies.

Conclusion

While the threat to American democracy remains, the article concludes that Trump's current failures offer grounds for hope. However, it emphasizes the importance of continued resistance from civil society to counter his attempts to dismantle democratic institutions.