The authoritarian tendencies of the Trump administration
- jason Geringer
- Oct 23
- 3 min read
In recent years, critics of Donald Trump have cited numerous actions and statements they say violated democratic norms and exhibited authoritarian tendencies. Cited examples include his reaction to the 2020 election, the politicization of the Department of Justice (DOJ), attacks on independent institutions, and the alleged use of executive power for personal and political retribution. In contrast, supporters and allies frame these actions as efforts to restore integrity, combat what they see as a corrupt "Deep State," or as necessary to address what they claim were politicized actions taken against him.
Disregarding democratic and legal processes
Election interference and refusal of power transfer: Following his 2020 election loss, Trump promoted unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud, pressuring state officials and his Vice President to overturn the results. His actions directly preceded the violent January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters and he did not attend his successor's inauguration.
Politicizing the Department of Justice: The Trump administration has been accused of using the DOJ for personal and political ends. During his first term, he reportedly pushed for investigations into his critics. In his second term, new DOJ officials have been criticized for aligning with political goals rather than maintaining an apolitical department.
Defying court orders: The Trump administration, in both terms, has reportedly ignored or challenged judicial rulings. During his second term in 2025, a federal judge found the administration violated a court order by deporting migrants to third-party countries without proper process.
Targeting the legal community: In March 2025, Trump reportedly issued executive orders to sanction law firms he accused of "dishonest and dangerous activity." Sanctions included revoking security clearances, terminating government contracts, and restricting building access.
Attacking independent institutions
The press: Throughout his career, Trump has repeatedly attacked news outlets critical of him, labeling them "fake news" and "the enemy of the people".
Independent agencies: Trump has attempted to pressure agencies like the Federal Reserve to align with his political goals. During his second term, he reportedly sought greater control over traditionally independent regulatory agencies, such as the FCC and SEC, by demanding they submit major regulations to the White House for review.
Government watchdogs: In his first week back in office in January 2025, Trump fired inspectors general (IGs) at 17 independent agencies without congressional notice, actions that were ruled illegal by a federal judge. Critics argue this move weakened oversight against fraud and abuse.
Retribution using executive power
Targeting political enemies: Reports allege Trump has used executive powers to launch retaliatory investigations into perceived opponents, including political figures and former officials. During his second term, his administration pursued investigations and revoked security clearances of former intelligence officials and opponents.
Threatening state and local officials: The administration has been accused of threatening to withhold federal funding from "sanctuary cities" and taking other actions to coerce state governments that did not align with his policies.
Deploying military domestically: In 2025, Trump has reportedly deployed military forces, including the National Guard and Marines, to cities like Los Angeles and Memphis against the will of state governors. The legal basis for some of these deployments has been challenged in court.
Immigration and due process
Questioning constitutional rights: Trump and his advisor Stephen Miller have reportedly questioned whether due process rights apply to non-citizens, contradicting Supreme Court precedent.
Attempting to end birthright citizenship: On his first day in office in January 2025, Trump issued an executive order to revoke birthright citizenship, a move blocked by federal judges for being unconstitutional.
Suspending habeas corpus for immigrants: In 2025, reports indicated the administration was exploring the possibility of suspending the writ of habeas corpus for non-citizens, a bedrock legal protection against unlawful detention.
Weakening checks and balances
Undermining Congress: Critics have accused Trump of circumventing Congress's powers, such as delaying or obstructing oversight activities. In August 2025, reports noted that Trump ignored a bipartisan law requiring the divestiture of TikTok's Chinese ownership.
Filling government with loyalists: Critics claim Trump has sought to replace career civil servants with political loyalists to tighten his control over the bureaucracy, a strategy described as aiming to dismantle parts of the independent federal workforce.
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