Washington, DC — Concerns about Trump democracy erosion are rising as President Donald Trump’s administration faces criticism for undermining democratic institutions. From attacks on media companies to direct control of private businesses, experts say these actions show the foundations of US democracy weakening at an unprecedented pace.
Vanessa Williamson, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said she has “never been this concerned about democracy in the United States.” She described recent developments as “rapid erosion.”
Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, who works closely with CEOs, said business leaders are worried in private about the direction of the country. “We’ve had a serious erosion of the foundations of democracy,” he said.
Key steps fueling warnings of Trump democracy erosion include the firing of the nation’s top economic statistician, the removal of a Federal Reserve governor, and the government’s investment in companies like Intel and US Steel. Critics argue these moves weaken independent bodies and blur the line between government and business.
Free press concerns have also grown. The Federal Communications Commission, led by a Trump appointee, threatened Disney and ABC over remarks made by comedian Jimmy Kimmel. ABC later suspended his show. Williamson said the action was “straight from the autocratic playbook.”
Scholars and CEOs stress that democracy supports economic growth. A 2019 study showed democracies raise GDP by about 20% in the long run, while a 2023 study found populist leaders leave economies weaker.
Williamson summed it up: “Democracy is good for the economy. Autocracy is bad for the economy.”
Despite the risks, most CEOs remain quiet in public, fearing retaliation. “We’re not seeing forceful voices come together,” Sonnenfeld said. “But they need to. They are very much alarmed.”
The White House defends its approach. Spokesman Kush Desai said the administration is “restoring confidence and economic dynamism,” pointing to major corporate investments.
