A three-stage waltz is being danced in the American capital these days. The first is about when Nikki Haley will withdraw from the race for the Republican nomination. The second case is about Donald Trump's actual chances of winning the presidential election. The third part is much less dancey, but rather the nightmare that his return to the White House causes.
• Also read: Despite important victories, there are warning signs for Trump
Last week I received a question from a viewer that was both powerful and very direct: “You say that Donald Trump would pose a threat to democracy in the United States.” I can't think of an example of a decision that could affect rights and freedoms?
We won't really know until he regains the presidency, and if you read the polls, his chances are good. During his four years in Washington, I saw him at work first hand. It has often been said that he and those around him were as surprised as we were when his victory over Hillary Clinton was confirmed late on the night of November 8-9, 2016.
NAIVE AND IGNORANT
From then on, his presidency was characterized by a lot of improvisation and decisions made depending on the mood of the moment. He will avoid the political failures he accumulated back then this time because he will be much better prepared at the doors of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
It's about seeing the current disciplined and well-oiled campaign he is running for the Republican Party nomination. He knows the system better, has surrounded himself with an efficient team and even the shameful comments he has to make to his opponents do not derail the train that is heading towards his consecration.
AVENGERS AND EVIL
His big mouth has the advantage of keeping us informed of his intentions. He repeats it again and again to his followers: “I will be your retaliation.” “I will be your revenge.” This time he will not be deceived by ignorance or his legendary laziness: he is already guaranteeing the instrumentalization of the Justice Department in order to take advantage of his To take revenge on critics and those who demanded accountability after his first term.
At the same time, he will ensure that his “attorney general” drops criminal and civil cases against him and, if convicted, will take the unprecedented step of self-pardon before the presidential election. Nobody doubts that.
THE AUTHORITY DRIFT
We know his desire to expand the scope of the president's powers, with his stated dream of being “dictator for a day” and his request for complete presidential immunity even if, as one of his lawyers admitted in court, he called one Special squad to assassinate a political rival.
After all, during his (first) term in office, Trump, prone to flattery and headlines, surrounded himself with a number of competent people, the famous “adults in the room,” who it was hoped would get to grips with his worst mistakes.
Forget these people! A second term for Donald Trump, if it happens, will consist of docile or, worse, enthusiastic artists who will respond with “Yes, sir!” when he ordered the army to crush the protest movements triggered by his authoritarian excesses.
Here and in many other dark places surrounding the former president, there are threats to the rights and freedoms of Americans.
The “adults in the room” during Donald Trump’s first term and what they think of him today
AFP
“He lacks the discipline, the ability to think strategically and linearly, the ability to prioritize, the ability to know how to get things done within the system.” – William Barr, former Attorney General, May 5, 2023
AFP
“Trump has no idea what America stands for. He admires murderous autocrats and dictators and has nothing but contempt for our democratic institutions, our Constitution and the rule of law.” – John Kelly, former Chief of Staff, October 2, 2023
AFP
“Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who doesn’t try to unite the American people – he doesn’t even pretend to try. Instead, he is trying to divide us.” – James Mattis, former Secretary of Defense, June 3, 2020
AFP
“His understanding of world events, world history and American history was really limited. It's really hard to have a conversation with someone who doesn't even understand why we're talking about it.” – Rex Tillerson, former Secretary of State, January 11, 2021