Why Trump’s praise of dictators is a danger to American democracy

In a recent interview with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, Jen Psaki, the former White House press secretary under the Biden administration, warned about the strategy of Donald Trump for the Republican primaries in New Hampshire. Trump, who has not officially announced his candidacy for 2024, has been making headlines with his speeches and interviews, in which he has praised several authoritarian leaders, such as Kim Jong-un, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Maddow asked Psaki if this was a way of appealing to voters who are tired of politics and who prefer a leader who makes all the decisions for them.

Psaki replied that Trump has always had a fascination for dictators and that he has tried to undermine American democracy by refusing to acknowledge his defeat in 2020 and by inciting the insurrection of January 6, 2022. She added that Trump has no real political agenda, but that he plays on the fears and frustrations of his supporters, who feel left behind by the system. Psaki said that Trump’s offer to the voters is simple: “If you pick me, that will be the end of politics, and you won’t have to deal with politics anymore, you won’t have to deal with contested elections, you won’t have to deal with contests or divisions when it comes to power. You’ll have a strongman leader and, I’ll just do what I want, and won’t that be a lot simpler?”.

Maddow and Psaki then discussed the historical lessons for preserving democracy in the face of authoritarian threats. They cited the examples of post-war Germany, post-Franco Spain and post-communist Poland, where civic movements succeeded in defending democratic values and resisting attempts of regression. They called on Americans to stay vigilant and to engage in protecting their democracy.

I agree with Psaki’s analysis. Trump’s praise of dictators is not only a sign of his personal admiration, but also a deliberate strategy to erode the foundations of American democracy and to prepare the ground for his return to power. Trump’s praise of dictators is a danger to American democracy for three main reasons:

• First, it normalizes and legitimizes authoritarianism as a viable form of governance. By complimenting the leaders of North Korea, Russia, China and Turkey, Trump is sending a message that he respects and admires their way of ruling, and that he would like to emulate them if he had the chance. He is also implying that democracy is weak, inefficient and chaotic, and that it needs a strong leader to fix its problems. This message can resonate with some voters who are disillusioned with the political system and who are looking for a quick and easy solution to their grievances. Trump is exploiting their discontent and offering them a false choice between democracy and dictatorship.
• Second, it undermines and isolates America’s allies and partners who share democratic values and principles. By praising the enemies of democracy, Trump is alienating and offending the friends of democracy, such as the European Union, Canada, Japan, Australia and others. He is also weakening the international institutions and norms that uphold human rights, rule of law and multilateral cooperation. He is damaging America’s reputation and credibility as a leader of the free world and as a defender of democracy. He is making it harder for America to rally support and solidarity in the face of global challenges and threats.
• Third, it emboldens and empowers the authoritarian regimes that pose a threat to American democracy and security. By praising the leaders of North Korea, Russia, China and Turkey, Trump is giving them a green light to continue their aggressive and oppressive policies, both domestically and internationally. He is also signaling that he is willing to make concessions and deals with them, at the expense of America’s interests and values. He is encouraging them to interfere in America’s elections and affairs, as they did in 2016 and 2020. He is inviting them to challenge and test America’s resolve and readiness to defend its democracy and allies.

In conclusion, Trump’s praise of dictators is a danger to American democracy and that it should not be taken lightly or dismissed as mere rhetoric. It is a reflection of his authoritarian personality and a manifestation of his authoritarian agenda. It is a part of his strategy to undermine the confidence and trust of the American people in their democracy and to pave the way for his comeback in 2024. It is a challenge and a threat to the American democracy and its allies. It is a call for action and a reminder of the need to safeguard and strengthen the democratic institutions and values that make America great.