Can a U.S. President do This?
This morning, Donald J. Trump claimed that the United States carried out a large-scale strike...
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The Erosion of Democracy in 2025: A Year in Review
This is a review of what I wrote on my blog and Substack In 2025. I transitioned from documenting politics to observing the erosion of democratic principles amidst Trump’s second term. Through over 300 pages of essays, my posts highlighted the gradual decay of truth, the rise of authoritarianism, and the weaponization of neutrality. The fictional correspondent, Skyler Fusaro, served as a reminder of memory’s importance and civic resistance. The year illustrated a struggle against forgetting, emphasizing that preservation of history and truth is crucial for democracy’s survival.
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Revisiting DEI Under Trump: Lessons from the Past
In a reflection on the concept of “neutrality” during the Trump administration, Jack HassardSkyler Fusaro, writing in 2060, critiques efforts to sanitize American history by removing “divisive” narratives, particularly concerning Indigenous peoples and slavery. National parks were instructed to promote “neutral” stories, which favored white perspectives. This led to a generation growing up unaware of inequality. The restoration of Ocmulgee National Park in Georgia is highlighted as a reclaiming of truth. The underlying tension remains between remembrance and the urge to rewrite the past.
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The Importance of Truth in Democracy
The speech reflected a troubling pattern of exaggeration and denial from leadership, leading to a disconnect with public concern. Polls indicate growing economic worries and declining confidence in the president. Truth is essential for democracy, as distorted narratives weaken trust and accountability. Citizens must persistently uphold evidence and engage in informed discussions to resist dishonesty, drawing lessons from history where democracies failed. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of truth for a functioning democracy.
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Mr. President: Words Matter
This weekend we were shocked by several murders that took place at Bondi Beach, Australia, Brown...
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The Truth About Trump’s Lies and Authoritarianism
The Trump Files’ First Edition highlights Donald J. Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and proclivity for deception during his presidency. In his second term, unlike his first, Trump lacks any cabinet members who challenge his narrative, leading to a rise in sycophancy. Dr. Timothy Snyder’s book, On Tyranny, promotes critical lessons to counter authoritarianism, such as the importance of truth. Trump’s numerous false claims, particularly regarding the 2020 election being “rigged,” exemplify his alarming disconnect from reality, which is increasingly echoed by his administration.
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From Reality TV to Political Theater: Trump’s Playbook
The content discusses the impact of Trump’s reality television background on his political career. McLuhan’s quote highlights how tools shape society, paralleling how Trump’s “Apprentice” era influenced his presidential image. The show taught viewers to engage with drama and conflict, creating a template for Trump’s campaign and presidency. Media dynamics shifted as spectacle overshadowed truth, with outlets prioritizing ratings over accountability. Ultimately, Trump transformed politics into entertainment, fostering a culture of outrage and spectacle that continues to dominate.
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Birtherism: The Seed of Post-Truth Politics
The post explores how the Birther Lie, propagated by Donald Trump, became a potent tool in shaping American politics and public perception. Initially dismissed as absurd, Trump transformed this fringe conspiracy into a mainstream narrative, amplifying it through media and spectacle. As doubt grew, this lie fostered a sense of community among supporters, allowing them to reclaim an imagined lost authenticity. Ultimately, Trump’s approach to politics redefined truth, turning skepticism and conspiracy into a compelling identity, setting the stage for a post-truth political environment.
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The Long Fuse of Trumpism: A Story America Keeps Reliving
Trumpism is rooted in decades of cultural resentment, racial anxiety, and media manipulation, culminating in a political identity shaped by grievance rather than policy. Though often associated with Donald Trump, this movement developed long before, transforming emotional turmoil into political power. Campaign rallies served as venues for collective anger, where simple enemies were identified for complex issues. Despite Trump’s 2020 defeat, the movement persists, driven by a culture where dissent is seen as treason and outrage is monetized. The challenge remains to redefine the narrative of this ongoing cultural evolution.
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The Legacy of No Kings Day: A Reflection on Democracy
Skyler Fusaro’s essay reflects on the significance of No Kings Day, emphasizing that dissent is an essential aspect of democracy rather than chaos. Writing from a future perspective, Fusaro underscores the historical importance of 2025, when America faced a critical test of democracy amid protests. She highlights how demonstrations became a powerful act of collective conscience, reclaiming citizen identity against authoritarian narratives. Amidst past challenges, No Kings Day serves as a reminder of democracy’s resilience, illustrating that protest embodies not just defiance but also a deep-seated devotion to democratic principles.
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