The Unraveling of America: Assessing the Damage of the Trump Era
Introduction: The Irreversible Harm of the Trump Presidency
The damage inflicted by President Trump on American democracy and its global standing is profound and far-reaching, with consequences that could reverberate for generations. Unlike past political shifts, the harm caused by Trump’s actions goes beyond policy disagreements; it strikes at the very foundations of the nation’s constitutional order, alliances, and institutions. The 2024 election, or even the one in 2028, cannot undo the structural damage already done. Trump’s presidency has exposed the fragility of America’s democratic institutions and the dangerous consequences of unchecked executive power. The country is facing a crisis that goes beyond partisan politics—it is a crisis of stability, trust, and identity.
The Erosion of Bipartisan Consensus: A Cold War Perspective
To understand the magnitude of Trump’s impact, it is helpful to compare it to the Cold War era, when bipartisan consensus on national security and alliances was sacrosanct. During the Cold War, while Democrats and Republicans differed on specific policies—such as military spending, arms control, and interventions—there was a shared commitment to NATO, containment of the Soviet Union, and the protection of democratic allies. The idea of a U.S. president openly siding with the Soviet Union or abandoning NATO would have been unimaginable. American elections might have shifted policy directions, but they did not disrupt the nation’s core alliances or its fundamental identity as a global leader.
This consensus has been shattered under Trump. His administration has sent a chilling message to America’s allies: the United States is no longer a reliable partner. Trump’s actions—such as his public ambush of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where he accused Zelensky of being “disrespectful” and threatened him with the consequences of World War III—demonstrate a stark departure from the principles of diplomacy and solidarity. The lesson to allies is clear: America’s commitments are ephemeral, dependent on the whims of its leader. Even if Trump is voted out of office, the damage to trust will persist, leaving allies questioning whether the United States can be counted on in times of crisis.
The Assault on Alliances and Institutions
Trump’s actions have not only damaged America’s relationships with its allies but also undermined the stability of its domestic institutions. His administration has canceled thousands of contracts funding critical humanitarian programs, including malaria prevention, polio vaccinations, and Ebola surveillance. These cuts threaten to dismantle a global health infrastructure that has saved millions of lives. Similarly, at home, Trump has gutted the federal civil service, pardon political allies, and attempted to dismantle agencies created by Congress. This erratic behavior has created a culture of instability, where policies and institutions are subject to drastic changes with every election cycle.
The result is a nation unable to function effectively. A country that constantly guts and rebuilds its bureaucracy cannot serve its people well. Sustainable defense strategies, trade policies, and diplomatic efforts require consistency and stability, which Trump has completely eroded. If the United States cannot honor its promises or maintain its alliances, it risks becoming an unreliable and isolated global power.
The Constitutional Crisis and the Rise of Executive Power
Trump’s presidency has also unleashed a constitutional crisis, as he seeks to consolidate power in the executive branch. His actions—from the events of January 6 to his blatant disregard for the law—reveal a dangerous disregard for the checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution. The Founders designed the government to prevent the rise of an unchecked executive, recognizing the dangers of rule by fiat. They envisioned Congress as the representative body that would deliberate and act slowly, ensuring that majorities broadened before they were empowered.
Trump’s rejection of this vision threatens the very foundations of American democracy. He has shown a willingness to upend the constitutional order, and the consequences are dire. As scholar Yuval Levin explains, the president was never intended to be the sole representative of the nation. Congress, as a plural institution, was meant to forge consensus and represent the diverse interests of the country. When the system works as intended, change is slow but sustainable. However, Trump’s actions have turned this principle on its head, creating chaos and instability that will take years to repair.
The Role of the Judiciary in Preserving the Constitutional Order
Amid the chaos, the Supreme Court has a critical role to play in defending the Constitution. While the Court cannot force Trump to support Ukraine or restore canceled contracts, it can uphold the rule of law by protecting government contracts, defending civil servants from unlawful termination, and safeguarding congressionally created agencies from presidential overreach. The Court’s ability to enforce the constitutional order is a vital check on Trump’s attempts to concentrate power in the executive branch.
However, the fight to preserve the Constitution is not just a legal battle—it is a struggle for the stability of the American system itself. The damage Trump has inflicted goes beyond specific policies; it has eroded trust in the system as a whole. Allies question whether the United States will remain a reliable partner, and citizens wonder if their institutions can endure. The Court’s decisions will be instrumental in determining whether Trump’s actions are curbed or allowed to proceed unchecked.
Conclusion: The Conservative Principle of Chesterton’s Fence
The conservative principle of “Chesterton’s fence” offers a timely lesson for our moment. G.K. Chesterton argued that reformers should not tear down a fence until they understand its purpose. Trump, however, has gleefully bulldozed the fences of American democracy—its alliances, institutions, and constitutional norms. His actions have destroyed trust, both at home and abroad, and trust is the hardest thing to rebuild.
The damage Trump has done is not just political; it is existential. It threatens the stability of the American system and the confidence of its people. The road to recovery will be long and difficult, requiring more than just electoral victories. It will demand a renewed commitment to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and the preservation of the constitutional order. Only then can America begin to heal and regain its place as a trusted global leader.
