The Devastating Change a Single Year Has Brought in the US
One year ago, the situation was utterly separate. Prior to the US presidential election, considerate citizens could admit the nation's deep flaws – its injustices and disparity – yet they still could perceive it as the US. A democratic nation. A place where the rule of law carried weight. A state guided by a honorable and upright public servant, even with his advanced age and declining health.
Currently, in late October 2025, many of us barely recognize the land we reside in. Individuals suspected of being undocumented migrants are collected and forced into vans, at times denied due process. The East Wing of the “people’s house” – is being destroyed for an obscene event space. The leader is persecuting his opponents or perceived antagonists and demanding federal prosecutors transfer a massive sum of public funds. Soldiers with weapons are being sent across metropolitan centers with deceptive justifications. The defense headquarters, relabeled the Defense Ministry, has practically freed itself of regular press examination during its expenditure of possibly reaching nearly $1tn of taxpayer money. Universities, attorney offices, news companies are submitting under the president’s threats, and rich magnates are regarded as aristocracy.
“The United States, only a few months ahead of its 250th birthday as the globe's top democratic nation, has tipped over the limit into authoritarianism and totalitarianism,” a noted author, stated this past summer. “In the end, more quickly than I imagined possible, it occurred in this country.”
Every morning starts with fresh terrors. And it is difficult to grasp – and distressing to accept – how severely declined we have become, and the speed at which it unfolded.
Yet, we understand that the leader was legitimately chosen. Following his profoundly alarming initial presidency and despite the cautions that came with the understanding of Project 2025 – despite Trump himself said publicly he would rule as a tyrant only on the first day – a majority of citizens elected him rather than Kamala Harris.
As terrifying as the present situation is, it's more daunting to realize that we have only been several months into this administration. Where will another 36 months of this deterioration find us? And what if the three years turns into something even longer, as there is no one to stop this president from opting that a third term is necessary, maybe for defense purposes?
Certainly, not everything is hopeless. There are legislative votes the coming year which might bring a different governmental control, if Democrats retake either chamber of parliament. There are public servants who are striving to impose some accountability, for example Democratic congressmen currently starting a probe concerning the try to cash appropriation by federal prosecutors.
And a leadership election three years from now could initiate the path to healing exactly as the previous vote placed us on this unfortunate course.
There exist millions of Americans marching in urban areas throughout communities, like they performed last weekend at democracy demonstrations.
Robert Reich, stated lately that “the dormant powerhouse of the nation is rising”, exactly as before following the Red Scare during the fifties or throughout the Vietnam war protests or in the Watergate scandal.
In those instances, the tilting vessel eventually was righted.
The author states he understands the signals of that revival and observes it occurring now. As evidence, he points to the recent massive protests, the broad, cross-party resistance against a broadcaster's firing and the near-unanimous defiance by media to accept military mandates they only publish what is sanctioned.
“The slumbering entity perpetually exists asleep before certain corruption turns extremely harmful, some action so disrespectful of societal benefit, certain violence so loud, that he is compelled other than to stir.”
It's a hopeful perspective, and I value the author's seasoned opinion. Maybe he’ll turn out correct.
At the same time, the big questions remain: will the nation regain its footing? Is it possible to restore its position globally and its commitment to legal principles?
Or must we acknowledge that the national endeavor succeeded temporarily, and then – abruptly, completely – collapsed?
My negative thoughts indicates that the latter is accurate; that everything could be lost. My positive feelings, nevertheless, convinces me that we must try, by any means we can.
In my case, as a media critic, that involves urging journalists to adhere, more thoroughly, to their mission of overseeing leadership. For some people, it could mean participating in congressional campaigns, or coordinating protests, or developing approaches to safeguard voting rights.
Under twelve months back, we were in a separate situation. In the future? Or after another term? The reality is, we are uncertain. All we can do is to strive to not give up.
What Offers Me Hope Now
The engagement I have with students with young journalists, who are both hopeful and realistic, {always
