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By Ron Calhoun
With Donald Trump back in the White House, many Americans wonder: Is democracy at risk?
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chris Hedges says the problem didn’t start with Trump. In a recent interview on UpFront, he warned that the country has been moving toward an authoritarian system for years—and that both Democrats and Republicans share the blame (Al Jazeera).
“Trump doesn’t have to build an authoritarian state from scratch. The mechanisms are already there, largely put in place by the Democratic Party,” Hedges said.
Are Democrats and Republicans Working for the Same People?
Hedges argues that both major political parties have stopped representing everyday Americans and instead cater to the wealthy and powerful.
“The Democratic Party transformed itself into the Republican Party, and the Republican Party was pushed so far to the right it became insane and cultish,” he said.
As an example, he pointed out how Democratic leaders like Kamala Harris have embraced figures like Dick Cheney, a former vice president once condemned by his own party. According to Hedges, this shows how the political establishment—on both sides—has merged into one ruling class as per The Intercept.
Trump’s Billionaire Cabinet
Even though Trump claims to fight for the working class, according to New York Mag.com and Forbes.com, his administration is filled with some of the richest people in history—worth a combined $450 billion.
Hedges believes that corporations and billionaires continue to control both parties, regardless of who is in office.
“We are not witnessing the return of democracy but the continued rule of an oligarchy. The economy, the government, and the media are all controlled by billionaires,” he said.
What’s Next for America?
Hedges warned that freedom of speech, civil rights, and public protests could all come under attack during Trump’s second term. He also says that the problems go far beyond Trump himself.
“This isn’t just about Trump. The system itself is broken,” he said.
As the country moves forward, the real question is: Is Trump’s presidency a major shift, or just a continuation of a system that’s been failing Americans for years?
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