TRUMP 1/7 Concern regarding Trump’s presidency and frightening advancement towards authoritarianism is rapidly rising. The LILA Gazette, with this introduction, presents its six part coverage addressing the president’s actions. 

By Camille Cheung – 10th grade.

It’s no doubt President Trump has done a multitude of actions during his term so far. There has been a huge amount of activity within the first 100 days of his presidency and they have been affecting a variety of sectors. His major actions have influenced three areas: the economy, the border and the federal government. But a concern for democracy is rising as people are noticing an eerie similarity between Trump’s plans and an authoritarian regime. The press, the judicial system and the undermining government are most at risk as the president moves towards absolute authority. 

The press is a highly crucial tool to get information to people and is an enormous part of democracy. If journalists and reporters are silenced, there would be no way to inform the population, yet that is exactly what is seen happening under Trump’s presidency. Trump has called to cut NPR and PBS of their federal funding, which directly threatens free media. According to an article by NPR, it has been a concern for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that these two channels are “airing commercials” that are breaking federal laws. The FCC is also investigating all major broadcast outlets, except for the Fox News channel, biased towards Republicans. These actions present a major danger to democracy and freedom of press as Trump is using a tactic to slowly undermine key aspects of democracy, creating space for authoritarianism. 

When it comes to the judicial system, many scholars are getting concerned about Trump’s efforts to expand executive power. As a result, the checks and balances system of democracy could be weakened and the government could become less centralized. The recent domestic policy bill, or “big, beautiful bill” according to Trump, is not only going to limit the power of federal judges, but also cut millions of dollars in funding to Medicaid, a crucial program for low-income households. Trump is actively defying the orders of federal judges and producing conflicts with the judicial branch, resulting in a violation of the Constitution and presenting a huge risk to democracy. An article written by NPR states “In a competitive authoritarian system, a leader comes to power democratically and then erodes the system of checks and balances.” This is exactly what we see Trump doing today. 

The undermining government is also at risk as Trump shows a scary willingness to violate the constitution and federal law. He has taken action to pause trillions of dollars in federal spending, which experts say directly went against the Constitution and the 1974 Impoundment Control Act. People have also mentioned Trump’s unconstitutional order to end birthright citizenship with several federal judges attempting to temporarily block these orders. According to an article by The Guardian, the president’s decision to fire several members of independent boards has been called “unprecedented and illegal” by law professor Kate Andrias. Legal scholar Laurence Tribe tells The Guardian “Violating the Constitution and acts of Congress repeatedly not only creates rips in the fabric that occur with each violation, but shreds the whole thing.” It is becoming clear that Trump will do almost anything to remain and become powerful, yet the impressive speed at which he acts makes it increasingly confusing to keep track. 

LILA Gazette 7 part coverage of the Trump administration :

Worldwide: Trump as seen abroad

The Closure of the Department of Education impacts the most vulnerable students

Opposition to Trump’s cuts to research takes the streets of L.A.

Why Greenland? Trump’s strange colonialist attempt

Marcel Dirsus: “We are witnessing a frontal assault on the institutions”

Trump presidency rocks the nation

Admiral Stavridis: How the Evolving Trump Administration Policies Impact International Security