Despite all the controversial actions and statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, many Democrats still seem to be under some illusions about the situation.<\/p>\n
Comments like “He can’t run again,” “We don’t need to worry about defeating him anymore,” and “There will be a time after Trump,” are frequently heard. These statements only hold true in the event of his demise. It seems Trump, and perhaps some of his staunchest supporters, believe in his invincibility. This notion of immortality might be what fuels his relentless drive and fury. Until his departure, by one means or another, he remains a formidable adversary, posing a significant threat not just to the U.S. but to democratic principles and global stability as well.<\/p>\n
The idea of Trump stepping aside for Vice President JD Vance, or anyone for that matter, especially a Democrat, seems laughable. Trump has shown clear disdain for Vance, often embarrassing him publicly. The phrase “Over my dead body” comes to mind, or perhaps when he becomes so incapacitated\u2014something that doesn’t seem too far off\u2014that he can no longer feign sanity, might we see him exit the political stage, resembling a docile Hannibal Lecter.<\/p>\n
Even if Trump’s tactics are found\u2014or indeed are<\/em>\u2014unconstitutional, will that deter him?<\/p>\n This scenario may sound exaggerated, and you’re welcome to dismiss it. I’m merely a writer, engaging in what writers do best: weaving narratives, speculating, stressing over potential realities that might never materialize. I hope they don’t, though history shows that fiction often precedes reality. My aim is to provoke thought, to open eyes to possibilities, no matter how dire they may seem.<\/p>\n Many of my darkest fears have already unfolded. At this point, I urge considering and preparing for the worst. Without urgency, without a real sense of danger, complacency and passive acceptance will continue to dominate. As poet William Butler Yeats once noted, “The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.”<\/p>\n Within the next three years, or possibly sooner, as more Americans, including some of Trump’s own supporters, grow weary of his chaos-inducing governance at home and abroad, his failed promises, the soaring costs due to his tariffs and tax cuts which benefit only the rich, the stripping away of healthcare, and the losses\u2014be it jobs, loved ones, businesses, or educational opportunities due to violence, budget cuts, or deportations\u2014Trump may take a drastic step. In concert with Israel and his seemingly eternal ally Benjamin Netanyahu, he might instigate a war against Iran, assuming Russia, entangled in Ukraine, will not intervene.<\/p>\n A potential shift could see America retracting support for Ukraine, possibly even withdrawing from NATO, a move akin to France’s in 1966. Trump’s disdain for NATO and similar international bodies is well-documented; his repeated withdrawals from the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization underscore this. A new “nice” deal with Iran, as Trump has put it, might also be on the table.<\/p>\n The necessary votes for these actions, be it withdrawal or war, will likely be obtained through dictatorial tactics: force, coercion, intimidation. The influx of Democrats in upcoming midterms may not change this trajectory. I fear the influence of billionaires, the spread of misinformation, fatigue, and continued intimidation might suppress any potential resurgence of Democratic influence, or worse, strengthen the Republican hold.<\/p>\n Trump has his loyalists, notably the Proud Boys and the J6 Prison Choir, all fiercely indebted to him and ready to act. Their numbers will probably have swelled by then, making their tasks simpler; meanwhile, Democrats have shown little appetite for real confrontation, often opting to retreat rather than fight. Figures like Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Merrick Garland have, despite their rhetoric, largely failed to counter Trump’s threats effectively.<\/p>\n If a war with Iraq was possible, justified by dubious intelligence and false claims in an era before social media, where 110 Democrats including Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton\u2014whose actions should have disqualified them\u2014voted in favor, then certainly, a war with Iran under similar or even less scrupulous circumstances is feasible.<\/p>\n Trump might also strike a deal with Xi Jinping allowing China to annex Taiwan, with figures like Marco Rubio likely bending their stances to align with Trump’s directives. Trump\u2019s appointees, chosen for their compliance, will follow his orders without question. Pete Hegseth is probably eager for such a scenario.<\/p>\n As a wartime leader, Trump, along with Republican governors, might declare states of emergency or martial law, citing various threats\u2014real or fabricated. This could include terrorist attacks alleged to be carried by Iranians or Islamic extremists, massive protests, or violent clashes. These emergencies could be used as pretexts to alter or indefinitely postpone elections, a move not unprecedented but certainly extreme.<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t beyond the realm of possibility. “While the Executive Branch does not currently have this power\u2026 Congress might grant it via statute.” Foreign interference alone could disrupt elections, casting doubt on their legitimacy or accuracy.<\/p>\n A new electoral scheme might emerge, more effective than previous attempts. In any case, a compliant Congress, investigations by figures like Kash Patel, and a weaponized justice department could ensure Trump’s maneuvers, even if unconstitutional, go unchecked. The fragility of democracy is evident, as is the corruption within the Supreme Court, the majority of whom are beholden to Trump, who remains confident in his immunity from criminal prosecution.<\/p>\n The Constitution faces relentless challenges. The suspension of funding and the executive order to end birthright citizenship are just recent examples. Trump’s disdain for the separation of powers grows daily, not to mention his past actions like the Muslim Ban and various corruption and emolument violations.<\/p>\n For now, the judiciary holds firm, stalling some of Trump\u2019s most egregious agendas. But how long this will last is anyone\u2019s guess. I, and many others, are beginning to seriously doubt the endurance of our democratic framework as it currently stands, especially as amendments to allow Trump a third term are being considered. How long will democracy itself hold?<\/p>\n\n\n