The Tragic Change Just One Year Has Brought in the US
In late October 2024, the situation was utterly distinct. Prior to the US presidential election, considerate citizens could acknowledge the nation's significant faults – its unfairness and disparity – however they still could see it as America. A free society. A country where constitutional order meant something. A country headed by a respectable and decent public servant, even with his elderly years and declining health.
Currently, in late October 2025, countless Americans hardly identify the nation we reside in. Individuals alleged as unauthorized foreigners are rounded up and shoved into transport, occasionally denied due process. The left side of the presidential residence – is being destroyed to build a lavish ballroom. The leader is harassing his adversaries or supposed enemies and demanding legal authorities hand over a massive sum of public funds. Soldiers with weapons are dispatched to US urban areas under fabricated reasons. The defense headquarters, rebranded the Department of War, has effectively liberated itself of routine media oversight as it spends what could amount to nearly $1tn of taxpayer money. Institutions, attorney offices, journalism organizations are submitting under the president’s threats, and wealthy elites are treated like aristocracy.
“The United States, only a few months ahead of its 250th birthday as the planet's foremost free society, has tipped over the limit into authoritarianism and extremism,” Garrett Graff, commented in August. “Ultimately, swifter than I believed likely, it occurred in this country.”
Every morning starts with fresh terrors. And it is hard to comprehend – and agonizing to acknowledge – just how far gone we have become, and the rapid pace with which it unfolded.
However, it is known that Trump was legitimately chosen. Following his profoundly alarming initial presidency and following the alerts associated with the knowledge of the rightwing blueprint – despite the leader directly stated openly he would rule as a tyrant just on day one – a majority of citizens selected him rather than his Democratic opponent.
Frightening as the present situation are, it's more frightening to realize that we have only been nine months under this leadership. How will an additional three years of this deterioration position us? And if that period becomes an prolonged era, since there is no one to stop this leader from determining that additional tenure is essential, maybe for security concerns?
Certainly, there is still hope. There are midterm elections the coming year which might bring a different balance of power, in case Democrats recapture either chamber of parliament. There are elected officials who are trying to exert some accountability, like Democratic congressmen that are initiating an inquiry into the attempted fund seizure by federal prosecutors.
And a national vote three years from now could begin the path to recovery just as the previous vote placed us on this regrettable path.
There are countless citizens demonstrating in public spaces throughout communities, like they performed last weekend at democracy demonstrations.
Robert Reich, wrote recently that “the dormant powerhouse of the US is rising”, exactly as before post-McCarthyism in the 1950s or during anti-war demonstrations or during the seventies crisis.
On those occasions, the listing ship eventually was righted.
He claims he understands the indicators of that resurgence and sees it happening now. As evidence, he cites the large-scale demonstrations, the extensive, multi-faction opposition against a broadcaster's firing and the almost universal refusal by journalists to accept military mandates they report only approved content.
“The sleeping giant perpetually exists asleep before specific greed turns extremely harmful, a particular deed so contemptuous toward public welfare, certain violence so noisy, that the giant is forced but to awaken.”
It's a hopeful perspective, and I respect his knowledgeable stance. Maybe he’ll prove to be right.
In the meantime, the crucial issues persist: can America ever recover? Can it retrieve its status internationally and its adherence to constitutional order?
Or should we recognize that the historical project succeeded temporarily, and then – swiftly, totally – ended?
My pessimistic brain suggests that the latter is correct; that everything might be lost. My optimistic spirit, nevertheless, convinces me that we need to strive, in whatever ways possible.
Personally, working in journalism analysis, that’s about urging journalists to live up, more thoroughly, to their purpose of scrutinizing authority. For some people, it may be working on election efforts, or coordinating protests, or developing approaches to safeguard electoral access.
Less than a year ago, we were in a separate situation. Twelve months later? Or in several years? The fact is, we don’t know. The only option is to attempt to continue fighting.
What Provides Me Optimism Currently
The interaction I experience in the classroom with aspiring reporters, who are both idealistic and realistic, {always
