Yes, I’m talking about the United States of America! And here’s the truth: it isn’t just about Donald Trump. In this article, we’ll see how Trump merely exploited the cracks in an already fractured system, hastening a decline that seems inevitable—one that even a different leader won’t halt without serious, thoughtful reforms.

The United States has witnessed a worrying decline in democratic standards over recent years. Reports from respected organizations like Freedom House, the V-Dem Institute, and The Economist’s Democracy Index highlight concerning trends, such as intense political polarization, eroded public trust, challenges to the rule of law (remember the Capitol riots?), reduced civil liberties, and scandals that expose a lack of transparency—from the Epstein controversy to the Trump-Ukraine scandal. Some trace this decline back to the 2008 financial crisis, while others say the 2016 election marked an escalation, setting the tone for even greater division since then.

A primary reason Trump was able to gain traction in 2016 was the perceived lack of trust and transparency in the establishment. Many voters saw Hillary Clinton as a symbol of the political elite, making it difficult for her to resonate with those craving change. Furthermore, much of the media and even Clinton’s campaign underestimated Trump’s populist, anti-establishment rhetoric. His calls for economic reform, opposition to trade deals like NAFTA, and blunt criticism of the status quo struck a chord with voters seeking something different. In 2016, Trump supporters were motivated by a drive to disrupt; today, they’re motivated by a desire to “save” America from collapse under Biden—and to curb immigration to “make America great again.”

The Immigration Debate

This year, immigration has become one of the most compelling issues for Trump supporters. Trump’s rhetoric portrays illegal immigration, particularly from Mexico, as a major threat to the U.S. Right-wing populists worldwide use similar arguments to stoke concerns about job competition, cultural shifts, increased tax burdens for citizens, and threats to national security. After the challenges of COVID-19 and the Ukraine-Russia war, economic pressures are mounting globally, especially in developing countries, fueling even more migration. In Europe, similar conditions have led to surges in support for right-wing parties with hardline stances on immigration, as seen in France, Germany, and Austria. Americans, too, are witnessing the decline of democratic values alongside inflation, meager economic growth projections (only 2.6% in 2024), and a waning global presence. Gone are the days when a simple call from President Eisenhower could halt the Israeli invasion of Egypt. Biden has begged Netanyahu for a year no to target civilians with literally no effect! The results? 50,000 dead and 1.500,000 homeless, no where to escape, worsening immigration crisis and USA position in one of the most critical and demanding areas in the world, Middle east! No wonder China and Iran are gaining more and more power in the region. That doesn’t resonate well with the authority of the super power we know of. The catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan (Biden), as well as Irans nuclear deal (Trump), US-China political conflict in south Asia, middle east, and Africa where USA is clearly losing in most of them (Trump and Biden), US- China trade war which eventually harmed US economy further (Trump),  and the threats to withdraw from NATO which resulted loss of trust and more independent act from western powers (Trump) all shout that without any meaningful action, this once-mighty empire appears vulnerable, its stability questionable.

A Question for American Voters

So, why do Americans consider voting for Trump again? He’s a loud, egotistical figure with no formal political background and a history of bankruptcies. Yes, he’s tough and single-minded, but that’s hardly unique—and certainly not a quality exclusive to wise leaders. More often than not, it characterizes self-interested authoritarians.

But perhaps Trump’s entertainment value is his biggest selling point. who wouldn’t be captivated by someone who’s brought such unprecedented levels of drama, headlines, late-night talk show material and WWE wrestling shows? And who even invented these kinda shows?! Spoiler alert! Americans! They LOVE drama!  It’s hard to resist the sheer thrill of tuning in every day to see what unexpected twist or diplomatic “innovation” will drop next. And those policy decisions – they’re like a rollercoaster you didn’t ask to be on but can’t seem to get off!

Then there’s his knack for “truth-telling” – a.k.a. saying whatever comes to mind – because who really needs all that “fact-checking” nonsense? From cat and dogs being eaten by immigrants, to claiming Mexicans will pay for the wall, and now claims about ending war with Russia within few weeks!  And of course, nothing says “leader” quite like Twitter diplomacy. All that charisma, unpredictability, and headline-grabbing… it’s like reality TV, but with real-world consequences! Yet while his antics might be entertaining, they’re hardly conducive to effective governance.

Despite his limited vocabulary, brash insults, and divisive language, Trump has amassed a completely unexpected loyal following. Karl Marx himself might be one of them and might have coined an exclusive term that fits Trump perfectly—lumpenproletariat—describing a figure who lacks refinement and sophistication.

Structural Flaws in American Politics

A significant issue with the U.S. political and voting system lies in the reliance on the Electoral College, which can allow a candidate to win the presidency without the popular vote, leaving many voters feeling their voices aren’t fully represented or any significant. The dominance of two major parties – Democrats and Republicans – creates a polarized environment, limiting voter choices and stifling nuanced perspectives, as third-party candidates face immense obstacles to gaining traction (why cant they ever raise enough money to start a campaign?! Most of it is because people who like simplicity of choosing between two wont support such rallies!) . Gerrymandering further distorts representation by allowing political parties to manipulate district boundaries for their advantage, weakening fair competition. Additionally, voter suppression tactics, such as strict ID laws and limited polling stations in certain areas, disproportionately affect marginalized communities, reducing equitable access to the ballot. These structural issues collectively contribute to political gridlock and voter disillusionment, impeding meaningful progress and reform. Strange enough, Trump, who won 2016 election, not by majority of voters, but by the Electoral College, has even become the unlikely champion of the reform, despite benefitting from the very system he critiques.

And yet, despite all above, I am still surprised such a hooligan has even a slightest chance to come up so high!

The Road Ahead

Even if he doesn’t manage to get into the white house, well, you may think he will not have any chance at that age, and you are probably right but in reality the problem of Trump has just begun. The U.S. is grappling with a far-right populist movement, unlike anything it’s seen before. The country is in decline, both politically and economically, and this is a pivotal moment for American democracy. History offers cautionary tales—Germany before WWII, for instance—where the wrong person in the right place and time led to catastrophe. While Trump may not intend to (and neither capable of) dismantle the world order for personal gain, the next opportunist, perhaps someone far more shrewd, could. Because now is the right time for fishing, and you have already seen ego driven opportunists such as Elon Musk are popping up around Trump.

The only real solution to the problem of Trump—and to divisive figures like him—is for American citizens to strengthen their knowledge and sharpen their critical thinking skills. Only by becoming more informed and discerning can voters hold leaders accountable and ensure that the country moves forward based on truth, integrity, and shared values. In doing so, they would not only save the U.S. but preserve the stability of the Western world.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/climate-environment/trump-climate-environment-protections