In the relative calm before January 20, when Donald Trump is sharing unusual ideas to distract us from the imminent transition, I present a view of the road ahead.
President-elect Trump’s words and the parallel Project 2025 proposals offer so many possibilities for profound change in our constitutionally mandated government. The status quo, Democracy as we’ve known it since its inception, is certainly under attack.
What could develop? Here are several possibilities, in order of probable occurrence:
1. A Fascist Autocracy: a ruling class with one preeminent leader - Donald Trump.
He exhibits many of the characteristics of fascist leaders: complete authority and power, micro management, inability to delegate control. The Ruling Class must be totally subservient to his will.
2. An Oligarchy: rule by the very rich; billionaires selected to head government agencies, fill cabinet positions, and lead new entities like DOGE.
Donald Trump has recently embraced a bevy of new MAGA billionaires, promising them freedom from business regulation.
3. Plutocracy: rule or control by people of great wealth or income.
People like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy desire to replace the existing World Order - the United Nations and NATO - with Spheres of Influence controlled by a few leaders of powerful nations, i.e. Russia, China, and the USA.
4. Monarchy: rule by a self-appointed King, which is continued by members of that family.
The challenge to our electoral system in 2020 indicated a desire to overthrow it and replace it with an unelected President. A promise of “no more elections” was made, and by fiat the Trump Dynasty could be established and continue with one of his sons or daughters.
5. Christian Nationalism: rule by Christian ministers, excluding non-Christians from appointment, and lawmaking based on their understanding of the Bible.
Original MAGA supporters demand a government defined by Christian principles as they interpret them. They forget that Jesus Christ’s response to the Christian nationalism of his day was: “My kingdom is not of this world.”
6. Kleptocracy: rulers who use their power to steal their country’s resources, i.e. rule by thieves.
Deletion of business regulations would allow business leaders to practice self- aggrandizement at the expense of national welfare and resources.
7. Kakistocracy: government by a state’s least suitable or competent citizens (convicts).
Convicted but unpunished, unrepentant President Trump could surround himself with people who also consider themselves above the law.
8. Neocracy: government by new or untried persons with no previous relevant experience.
Many of Donald Trump’s selections for Cabinet and Agency positions have little or no experience in their proposed areas of authority. They often hold ideas unsupported by historical or scientific evidence.
9. Gerontocracy: rule by elders.
If Trump does not appreciate the motives of self-serving younger men he may revert to depending on his own generation for advice. Right now this appears highly unlikely. Would he ever embrace people like Joe Biden?
10. Democracy: rule by, of, and for the people.
This is a possibility only if the factions within the Trump administration cannot coalesce behind their supreme leader, but he has a demonstrated ability to create unity through threats of retaliation and firings.
In summary, with members of congress fearful of being primaried-out for disloyalty, and a Supreme Court with a Trump-supporting majority, I see the constitutional protections against a fascist leader severely weakened. I pray that enough people in these positions will realize that many of the propositions of Donald Trump must be interdicted. The possibility of a unitary presidency was considered and rejected by our founding fathers. The lawful dictates of our constitutional republic must be preserved.
