When Donald Trump returned to power in January 2025, he moved quickly to complete his autocratic takeover and rubblize American democracy in ways more consistent with an absolute monarch than a president. In its first year, his blitzkrieg on the country’s institutions, rule of law and political culture was remarkably effective. The American people were shell-shocked. Supposedly the ultimate check on power, many became the walking wounded, moving by instinct with a hand on the shoulder of the person ahead of them, like soldiers in the first world war.
A year later, the picture is more complicated — and, with important qualifiers, more encouraging in ways that matter. Trump has failed to fully consolidate power. With his popularity at an historic low for a president at this point in his term, his unfitness for office is undeniable to all but the most diehard members of the MAGA personality cult.
