Political Scientists Express Concern Over U.S. Democracy in Trump’s Second Term
By William Skipworth, New Hampshire Bulletin
As President Donald Trump marks his first 100 days in the White House following his return, concerns about the state of U.S. democracy have reached alarming new lows. Bright Line Watch, an initiative led by Dartmouth researchers, reveals that both political scientists and the American public now express unprecedented worry about democratic integrity.
In their latest report, Bright Line Watch noted an average expert rating of U.S. democracy plummeting to 53 out of 100, the lowest recorded since the initiative began in 2017. This marks a significant decline from an average of 67 prior to Trump’s presidency. For the general public, the average rating has dipped to 49, the first instance below the crucial midpoint of 50, reflecting waning confidence across party lines.
John Carey, an author of the study, described the findings as "troubling" and highlighted a unique urgency, noting, "I’m more alarmed now than I have been at any point in the past." His concerns extend to recent controversial actions taken by the Trump administration, including deportation errors and executive orders targeting political fundraising.
The report indicates a decline in confidence among both Democrats and Republicans, with Democrat ratings dropping from 49 to 45 and Republican ratings from 59 to 56. Experts likened current events to troubling historical precedents, suggesting that democratic transgressions are occurring at an alarming rate.
Experts predict a grim future for American democracy if current trends continue. Carey emphasizes that broader insights and knowledge from his study may lead to these pessimistic views, arguing a potential fading of “bright lines” that protect democratic processes.
As political unease grows, Bright Line Watch continues to monitor these developments, raising critical questions about the future health of democracy in the United States.
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