Twelve months back, the environment was completely different. Before the US presidential election, thoughtful Americans could recognize the country's significant faults – its unfairness and imbalance – yet they still could see it as the United States. A democracy. A place where legal governance held significance. A nation guided by a honorable and upright leader, notwithstanding his older age and declining health.
Nowadays, as October 2025 ends, numerous citizens scarcely know the country we inhabit. Persons suspected of being undocumented migrants are detained and pushed into transport, occasionally denied due process. The East Wing of the presidential residence – is undergoing demolition to build a lavish ballroom. The leader is harassing his political rivals or supposed enemies and demanding federal prosecutors hand over an enormous amount of citizen dollars. Armed military personnel are being sent across metropolitan centers under fabricated reasons. The military command, rebranded the Defense Ministry, has effectively rid itself of routine media oversight as it spends possibly reaching almost one trillion dollars from citizen taxes. Colleges, legal practices, journalism organizations are submitting due to presidential intimidation, and wealthy elites are treated like aristocracy.
“The US, only a few months ahead of its 250-year mark as the planet's foremost free society, has crossed the brink into authoritarianism and extremism,” a noted author, commented recently. “Finally, more quickly than I thought feasible, it did happen in this country.”
One awakes amid recent atrocities. And it is challenging to understand – and distressing to accept – just how far gone we have become, and the speed at which it occurred.
Yet, we understand that Trump was legitimately chosen. Following his deeply disturbing initial presidency and even after the cautions that came with the knowledge of the conservative plan – following the leader directly said publicly he would act as an autocrat only on the first day – a majority of citizens chose him over his Democratic opponent.
As terrifying as today's circumstances is, it's more frightening to recognize that we have only been several months under this leadership. How will another 36 months of this decline find us? And if the three years transforms into a more extended duration, because there is no one to limit this ruler from deciding that another term is required, perhaps for defense purposes?
Admittedly, not everything is hopeless. We will have legislative votes next year that could establish an alternate balance of power, should Democrats recapture either chamber of parliament. There are government representatives who are attempting to exert some accountability, like representatives who are starting a probe into the attempted fund seizure by federal prosecutors.
And a national vote three years from now could begin our journey toward restoration exactly as last year’s election set us on this unfortunate course.
There are numerous residents demonstrating in the streets of their cities, similar to recent last weekend at democracy demonstrations.
A former official, commented this week that “the dormant powerhouse of the nation is rising”, just as it did following the Red Scare in the 1950s or amid the Vietnam war protests or in the seventies crisis.
In those instances, the listing ship ultimately corrected itself.
He claims he understands the signals of that resurgence and notices it unfolding now. As evidence, he cites the widespread marches, the widespread, cross-party resistance against a television host's removal and the almost universal rejection by reporters to agree to government requirements they only publish approved content.
“The dormant force always remains inactive until some venality turns extremely harmful, some action so disrespectful of societal benefit, some brutality so loud, that the giant has no choice but to awaken.”
It's a positive outlook, and I respect Reich’s experienced view. Maybe he’ll be validated.
Meanwhile, the major inquiries remain: will the nation return to normalcy? Can it retrieve its position in the world and its commitment to constitutional order?
Or should we recognize that the historical project succeeded temporarily, and then – suddenly, utterly – failed?
My negative thoughts suggests that the final scenario is accurate; that everything could be gone. My hopeful heart, though, advises me that we have to attempt, by any means available.
Personally, as a media critic, that’s about encouraging reporters to commit, more thoroughly, to their purpose of overseeing leadership. For others, it may be working on congressional campaigns, or planning demonstrations, or finding ways to safeguard electoral access.
Under twelve months back, we were in an alternate reality. In the future? Or three years from now? The fact is, we are uncertain. Our sole course is to strive to persevere.
What Offers Me Encouragement Today
The engagement I have in the classroom with young journalists, that are simultaneously visionary and realistic, {always
