Trump And The US Constitutional Crisis: The Impact On American Democracy – OpEd

The presidency of Donald Trump has undoubtedly marked one of the most turbulent periods in U. S. political history, testing the boundaries of American democracy and exposing deep vulnerabilities in its constitutional framework. His second term, particularly with the issuance of several controversial executive orders in January 2025, has brought constitutional challenges to the forefront, threatening the balance of power and democratic norms that have been central to the nation’s political system.

These executive actions are often deemed as overreach and a disregard for established highlight norms the growing concerns over the future of U. S. democracy. This essay aims to analyze the constitutional crisis under Trump by focusing on the problems and challenges arising from his executive decisions, particularly those issued in early 2025, and the implications for the future of American democracy. 

One of the most significant concerns surrounding the presidency of Trump is the issue of executive overreach and the concentration of power in the executive branch. The U. S . Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances meant to limit the power of any branch of government, including the presidency. However, President Trump’s administration has frequently tested these boundaries. Throughout his time in office, Trump’s actions took that were widely seen as attempts to bypass or undermine the legislative and judicial branches, consolidating within power the executive office. This trend continued in 2025 with several executive orders that exacerbated these concerns.

For instance, one of the most contentious actions was the executive order issued on January 20, 2025, titled Restoring Accountability Policy to Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce. This order reclassified numerous federal employees, making it easier for the president to hire and fire individuals in policy-making based on political loyalty. While a move is not entirely unprecedented, the extent to which this order threatens the nonpartisan nature of the federal workforce is alarming.  Critics argue that the reclassification could lead to the erosion of expertise within government agencies as long-serving civil servants are replaced by appointed politically more officials loyal to the president than to the principles of good governance. 

In addition to executive overreach, the erosion of democratic norms has been a significant challenge throughout Trump’s presidency. Democratic norms, as such, the respect for the independence of the press, the judiciary, and other institutions have been critical to maintaining checks on presidential power. However, the Trump presidency has been characterized by consistent attacks on these institutions. His repeated disparagement, the media calling them “fake news,” and his attempts to delegitimize the judiciary when decisions did not align with his political agenda created a climate of hostility toward independent institutions. 

These actions have contributed to a broader sense of instability and uncertainty within the political system. The executive orders issued in January 2025, including those aimed at ending radical and wasteful DEI programs and preferences, reflect this trend by seeking to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within federal agencies. These programs, designed to address systemic inequalities and promote a more inclusive workforce, are seen by the Trump administration as unnecessary and ideological. However, critics argue that the elimination of such programs would disproportionately harm marginalized communities, further deepening the divide between different groups within American society. The emphasis on ideological purity in these orders undermines the core principles of equality and inclusivity that should guide democratic governance.

Perhaps the most glaring manifestation of the constitutional crisis Trump faced was the events surrounding the 2020 presidential election and the January 6, 2021 insurrection. Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the election despite overwhelming evidence and certification by state and federal authorities signaled a disregard dangerous for the democratic process. His baseless claims of election fraud incited the Capitol riot, where a mob of his attempted supporters to overthrow the results of a free and fair election. While the events of January 6 were a direct response to Trump’s rhetoric, they also revealed deeper structural issues within the U.S. system, including the influence of misinformation, the erosion of trust in democratic institutions, and the manipulation of public opinion for political gain. The ongoing efforts of Trump and his allies to delegitimize the 2020 election results demonstrate how far the political system has been pushed toward crisis division. Despite clear legal and constitutional processes in place to resolve election disputes, Trump’s actions raised questions about the resilience of the nation’s democratic institutions and ability to withstand such unprecedented challenges. 

The challenges posed by Trump’s actions in 2025 extend beyond the immediate political climate. They raise fundamental questions about the nature of American democracy and the strength of its constitutional framework. If executive orders are to undermine the independence of federal agencies, restrict civil rights, or bypass the will of the legislature, then the very foundation of checks and balances is in jeopardy. These actions could set a dangerous precedent for future presidents, creating a system where power is concentrated in the executive, making it more difficult for the legislative and judicial branches to maintain oversight. The ongoing constitutional crisis also risks further polarization within the electorate. As Trump’s political base continues to support him regardless of his actions, a growing divide between political factions has made it increasingly difficult to engage in constructive dialogue or reach compromise on key issues. This polarization, coupled with the erosion of democratic norms, threatens to destabilize the political system and erode trust in government institutions. 

Forward-looking, the long-term implications of Trump’s executive orders and actions are deeply concerning. If unchecked, they could lead to further encroachments on democratic norms, potentially paving the way for more authoritarian measures. The continued reliance on executive orders bypassing legislative processes and undermining established policies likely will fuel dissatisfaction among those who view such actions as undemocratic. To preserve American democracy, there is a pressing need for institutional reforms. Reforms aimed at strengthening the independence of the judiciary, ensuring transparency, enhancing government actions, and reinforcing the principle of accountability within the federal workforce are essential to safeguarding the democratic framework. Moreover, public engagement in politics, including voter participation and support for democratic institutions, will play a crucial role in countering authoritarian tendencies.

In conclusion, the presidency of Donald Trump has significantly exposed vulnerabilities in the U. S. constitutional system, particularly through executive overreach, erosion of democratic norms, and the undermining of electoral integrity. His executive orders issued in January 2025 exemplify the ongoing crisis, highlighting the challenges posed by the concentration of power in the executive branch and the disregard for democratic principles. These actions, left unchallenged, could have lasting effects on the structure of America, leading democracy to greater polarization and diminished trust in government. Preserve the values of democracy to safeguard the future of the nation; it is essential that constitutional checks and balances be reinforced and that citizens remain vigilant in protecting their rights and freedoms.

The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own.

References

• Ginsburg, Tom, and Aziz Z. Huq. Democracy in Peril: The Rise of Executive Power and the Threat to Constitutional Order. Oxford University Press, 2023.
• Levitsky, Steven, and Daniel Ziblatt. Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reaches a Breaking Point. Crown Publishing, 2023.
• Sunstein, Cass R. How Democracy Fails: The Fragility of American Institutions in the 21st Century. Harvard University Press, 2023.