The question of whether Donald Trump poses a threat to American democracy has become central in political debate. The events of January 6, 2021 are the primary driver of this narrative. That day, a mob stormed the Capitol to overturn a legitimate election result. Trump’s refusal to concede, along with his encouragement of the insurrection, raised alarms. Is Trump a real threat to democracy? If so, how can he still run for office? And every time you hear a high ranking official refuse to admit Trump lost the election you should be worried. Election denial is proof that threat is real. JD Vance and Mike Johnson are still election denying.
The Broken Norms of Democracy
American democracy relies on norms, traditions, and unwritten rules that guide our political process. One of the most important traditions is the peaceful transfer of power. Since George Washington, losing candidates have accepted the results of elections, even when bitterly contested. This practice upholds faith in the system. People vote, and the candidates accept the outcome. This simple process is the heart of democracy.
Donald Trump broke that tradition by refusing to accept the 2020 election results. He claimed widespread voter fraud without presenting any real evidence. His legal team filed dozens of lawsuits. Courts after court dismissed his claims. Some of these courts were led by Trump-appointed judges. Despite this, Trump pushed false narratives and encouraged supporters to resist.
His call for supporters to march to the Capitol on January 6 wasn’t just another political rally. It escalated into an insurrection, directly aimed at disrupting the certification of electoral votes. Trump’s actions led to death, destruction, and a shocking breach of democracy. This wasn’t normal political protesting. It was an attack on the democratic process itself.
Mike Pence’s Role in Preserving Democracy
Amid this chaos, Mike Pence played a critical role in preserving democratic integrity. Pence, who had loyally served Trump for four years, faced immense pressure. Trump demanded Pence reject the certification of electoral votes, but Pence refused. Instead, Pence chose to follow the Constitution, even at great personal and political risk. His decision kept the democratic process intact.
Calling Pence the “savior of democracy” is an exaggeration, but his actions were essential. In today’s political climate, simply following the Constitution feels like a bold act. Pence’s decision demonstrates that, even in divisive times, there are leaders willing to protect democracy.
American Democracy Is Fragile
While some claim American democracy is strong, the January 6 insurrection exposed its weaknesses. Trump’s refusal to accept the election results showed how easily norms can be broken. These events revealed that the system can only work if political actors respect the rules. Democracy depends not just on laws but on the willingness of leaders to follow them.
The deep polarization in American politics adds to this fragility. Trump’s supporters remain loyal, even in the face of disinformation and violence. Meanwhile, his opponents see him as a fundamental threat to the country’s future. This polarization creates an environment where compromise and dialogue seem impossible. Both sides view the other as an existential threat.
Disinformation, especially through social media, weakens the foundations of democracy even further. Trump’s claims of a “stolen” election, repeated over and over, have eroded public trust in the system. The more people believe in falsehoods, the more fragile the democracy becomes. A system based on mutual trust and respect breaks down when lies dominate the narrative.
Why Can Trump Still Run?
If Trump poses such a clear threat to democracy, why is he still allowed to run for president? The U.S. Constitution sets few requirements for presidential candidates. A candidate must be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a U.S. resident for 14 years. There is no rule preventing a person from running if they have been indicted or even convicted of a crime. Ironically, the 14th Amendment to the constitution is threatens Trump’s ability to even run for office.
Most people understand the 14th Amendment to grant citizenship to African Americans. But Section 3 of the 14th Amendment also prohibits insurrectionists from holding any office in the land, including the Presidency. Many say a case can be made to bar Trump from even running for office. A judge in Chicago ruled that officials cannot place Donald Trump on the Illinois ballot due to Section 3 concerns.
Legal scholars have debated whether Trump’s role in the January 6 insurrection qualifies under the 14th Amendment. But the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that individual states cannot disqualify Donald Trump from running for president using the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause. The Court emphasized that the power to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment lies with Congress, not the states. The justices were concerned that allowing states to enforce this provision would create chaos, with candidates being eligible in some states but not others, based on the same conduct
Is This Just Political Rhetoric?
So Republicans argue that the Democrats are using the January 6 events for political gain. Democrats claiming Trump is a threat to democracy is simply to energize their base and help Kamala Harris. It’s true that Democrats have leaned on this narrative, but that doesn’t mean their concerns are invalid. Trump’s actions on January 6 went far beyond traditional politics. They represented an unprecedented challenge to the democratic system itself.
Why is Trump so Beloved?
Trump’s behavior cannot be ignored. While political parties often use heated rhetoric, this situation is different. The refusal to accept election results and the use of disinformation pose long-term risks. If this becomes a regular feature of U.S. elections, democracy could deteriorate rapidly.
New Measures Are Necessary
Donald Trump’s actions exposed dangerous weaknesses in the American democratic system. The peaceful transfer of power, a cornerstone of democracy, is no longer guaranteed. The system held together in 2020, but there’s no promise it will remain intact in future elections. Every time you hear a high ranking official refuse to admit Trump lost the election you should be worried.
Stronger measures are necessary to protect the system from further attacks. Congress should reconsider the 14th Amendment and determine if it applies to cases like Trump’s. Additionally, lawmakers need to strengthen election laws to secure the integrity of the process. If leaders feel they can challenge or overturn election results without consequence, democracy itself is at risk.
The resilience of America’s democratic system has been proven, but its vulnerabilities are now clearer than ever. If we do not act, another attack on democracy may come, and this time, the system may not survive. As citizens, we must demand action before it’s too late. Let’s safeguard democracy before the next crisis arrives.