Muslim World Report

Bannon Warns Trump May Defy Constitution for Power in 2024

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Mar 20, 2025 10:50 AM | 11 min read | 2206 words

TL;DR: Steve Bannon warns that Trump may circumvent democratic norms to retain power in 2024, indicating a troubling trend toward authoritarianism. This scenario raises serious implications for both American democracy and global democratic standards.

Trump, Bannon, and the Threat to American Democracy

In examining the contemporary political climate in the United States, we can draw parallels to the tumultuous times of the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the country faced deep divisions and challenges to its democratic institutions. Just as the Watergate scandal unearthed the vulnerabilities of political power and integrity, the actions and rhetoric of figures like Donald Trump and Steve Bannon raise significant alarms about the health of American democracy. The parallels are striking: both eras are marked by escalating polarization, a distrust of the mainstream media, and the rise of populist sentiments that prioritize loyalty over accountability (Smith, 2020).

Consider the concept of a “civic firewall” that stands between democratic norms and authoritarian impulses. This firewall is constructed from the institutions and practices that maintain checks and balances within government. However, just as a structure can deteriorate from wear and neglect, so too can this firewall weaken over time if political actors prioritize their interests over the collective good. Are we, perhaps, witnessing the slow erosion of this essential barrier in today’s political landscape (Jones, 2021)?

As the events unfold, the question looms larger: what will be the lasting impact on American democracy if these trends continue unchecked? The echoes of history suggest that vigilance is crucial; after all, it was during moments of complacency that the greatest threats to our democratic values emerged.

The Situation

In recent weeks, former Trump advisor Steve Bannon has issued a stark warning regarding the potential for Donald Trump to disregard constitutional norms in a bid to maintain power after a possible second term in office. Bannon’s assertion that Trump may declare war to suspend elections epitomizes a worrying trend within sections of American society:

  • Increasing disdain for democratic principles
  • Blind allegiance to a leader prioritizing personal ambition over governance

This alarming rhetoric reflects a profound disconnection from reality, wherein the Constitution—a civil contract designed to uphold democracy—seems to be regarded as a mere obstacle by Trump and his inner circle (Balkin, 2017). Such developments signal a pivot towards authoritarianism, positioning Trump not only as a national threat but also as a global menace. He contributes to a landscape where democratic institutions face erosion worldwide (Norris, 2017; Weyland, 2020).

As Trump approaches the 2024 election cycle, uncertainties loom over his health, prompting questions about his capacity to steer a volatile political base. Many supporters are already expressing doubts about his viability, creating an increasingly precarious political climate. The rhetoric echoing from Bannon and other insiders reveals a significant retreat from established democratic norms. This transformation favors governance styles that benefit a narrow elite at the populace’s expense, posing significant risks for:

  • American democracy
  • Global stability

The normalization of autocratic tactics—emphasizing disregard for constitutional frameworks in favor of Machiavellian strategies—could embolden similar behaviors globally. Countries grappling with democratic backsliding may look to the U.S. as a blueprint for authoritarian leadership (Huq & Ginsburg, 2017).

The implications of such actions resonate deeply. They threaten to dismantle the foundations of democratic governance in the U.S. and inspire parallel movements in countries like Hungary, Turkey, and Russia, where similar trends have been observed (McCoy, Rahman, & Somer, 2018).

Consider the historical precedent set during the rise of fascism in the early 20th century. Just as leaders like Mussolini and Hitler manipulated crises to consolidate power, we now see a playbook emerging where constitutional norms become casualties of political ambition. Are we, as a society, prepared to confront the specter of authoritarianism, or will we allow history to repeat itself? Observing the current trajectory, one cannot help but recognize a critical moment in history that poses a litmus test for both American democracy and the global community’s commitment to upholding constitutional frameworks against the insidious tide of authoritarianism.

What if Trump Declares War to Suspend Elections?

Should Trump declare war as a pretext for suspending elections, it would represent an unprecedented breach of the principles underpinning American democracy. This scenario brings to mind the historical precedent set by the suspension of civil liberties during the U.S. Civil War, when President Lincoln suspended habeas corpus to maintain order. Such actions, while deemed necessary at the time, ignited fierce debates about the balance between security and liberty—debates that still resonate today.

Potential consequences of a similar situation now could include:

  • Inciting widespread civil unrest
  • Further polarizing an already divided nation
  • Backlash manifesting in protests and violent confrontations

In this charged atmosphere, could citizens—motivated by a sense of betrayal—take to the streets, echoing the protests of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement? Such a national crisis could be exploited by the Trump administration to justify authoritarian crackdowns against dissent (Balkin, 2017).

Internationally, a destabilized U.S. democracy could inspire authoritarian figures worldwide to enact similar measures, further eroding checks and balances in their governments. Countries that have long viewed the U.S. as a beacon of democratic values might reevaluate these ideals, potentially igniting a cascading effect on global democratic standards (De Vries, Hobolt, & Walter, 2021). The ramifications extend beyond political speculation; they threaten to legitimize a culture of autocracy that undermines the fundamental tenets of democracy.

Critical U.S. institutions—such as the judiciary and military—would likely face immense pressure to choose sides. If loyalty to Trump becomes prioritized over adherence to constitutional mandates, we could witness a historic crisis of legitimacy that may take generations to heal. How long would it take for the nation to rebuild trust in its institutions, and what measures would be necessary to restore the rule of law, which might risk becoming subordinate to the whims of a singular leader? The answer could determine whether the fabric of American governance is forever altered (Huq & Ginsburg, 2017).

What if Bannon’s Influence Grows Within the GOP?

If Bannon’s perspective gains traction within the GOP, the party could further distance itself from democratic norms. An increasingly radicalized Republican Party may embrace a platform legitimizing authoritarian practices, becoming a bulwark against perceived threats from the left. This development could lead to:

  • Legislation undermining voting rights
  • Enacting voter suppression tactics
  • Empowering dark money influences in elections

Such changes would transform the political landscape into one characterized by fear and division (Kohnert & Preuß, 2019).

Historically, we can draw parallels to the rise of authoritarian regimes in the 20th century, where political parties, once rooted in democratic principles, gradually embraced extreme ideologies to consolidate power. For instance, the transition of the German Nazi Party in the early 1930s shifted from a moderately nationalist agenda to one that overtly rejected democratic processes and civil liberties. In that context, we might ask ourselves: what safeguards exist within our current political system to prevent such an erosion of democratic norms?

While this shift may temporarily consolidate power for the GOP, it could also alienate moderate voters and energize opposition coalitions, potentially leading to backlash in future elections. A more radical GOP would not only signify a departure from traditional U.S. foreign policy but also instigate a reevaluation of alliances and commitments to democratic ideals among U.S. allies (Gamble, 2018). The potential for a fractious global geopolitical landscape could emerge, forcing nations to reckon with an America that is no longer a standard-bearer for democracy.

What if Trump Fails to Retain Power?

Conversely, should Trump lose the 2024 election, the fallout could still have profound implications for American democracy. His loyal supporters might react with disbelief and hostility, questioning the legitimacy of the electoral process. This could lead to renewed calls for insurrection reminiscent of the events surrounding January 6, 2021 (Levitsky & Ziblatt, 2018). Would this be a repeat of history, where the aftermath of a contentious election leads to unrest, as seen in the 1876 presidential election? That election, fraught with allegations of fraud, resulted in the Compromise of 1877, which effectively ended Reconstruction and left African Americans vulnerable to disenfranchisement and violence. Such a response today would deepen existing divisions, heightening tensions that might obstruct attempts at national healing.

A loss could push Trump to perpetuate his narrative of victimhood, leading to a fissuring of the GOP as factions within the party vie for control. The party’s future may become increasingly entangled in Trump’s rhetoric, despite pressures from mainstream conservatives to distance themselves from his brand of politics. This infighting could weaken the GOP’s ability to govern effectively while simultaneously creating openings for more extreme candidates (Dahl, 2022). As seen during the rise of the Tea Party in 2009, internal divisions can foster radical elements that further complicate party unity.

Globally, a disoriented GOP could create opportunities for adversaries to exploit U.S. instability. Nations that have relied on American leadership may seek alternative alliances, while adversarial states could capitalize on this situation to extend their influence. Much like the geopolitical shift witnessed after the Cold War, such a political vacuum risks destabilizing existing international norms, threatening global security and cooperation as the U.S. grapples with its internal divisions. How might the actions of a fractured America echo around the globe, shaping the future of international relations?

Strategic Maneuvers

In light of this fraught political landscape, various players must consider strategic maneuvers to safeguard democratic norms. For the Biden administration, a multifaceted approach is crucial:

  • Strengthening social and judicial institutions
  • Ensuring that checks on executive power remain robust (Gerschewski, 2013)
  • Engaging with grassroots movements to galvanize public support for maintaining democratic processes

Measures to protect voting rights could enhance electoral integrity (Gamble, 2018). Historically, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of robust voting rights protections on electoral participation and integrity.

For the Democratic Party, cultivating a broader coalition that draws in disillusioned moderates from the GOP is vital. By fostering inclusive dialogue that emphasizes shared democratic values, opportunities for bipartisan collaboration may arise, helping to mitigate the risk of political polarization spiraling out of control (Thomson & Ip, 2020). Just as the New Deal coalition reshaped American politics in the 1930s, today’s Democrats could find strength in unity, bringing together diverse voices to form a stronger front.

For the GOP, the trajectory toward radicalization poses existential questions about its identity. Establishment figures should engage in introspection, prioritizing democratic principles over personal loyalty to Trump. Rethinking party policies to appeal to a broader base while distancing from extremism could be essential for its long-term viability (Thomson, 2020). Is it possible for the GOP to rebirth itself like a phoenix from the ashes, reclaiming its foundational values in a highly polarized environment?

Internationally, democratic nations must reaffirm their commitment to supporting democratic institutions worldwide and resist the rise of authoritarianism (Kaiser, 1971). Building alliances focused on shared democratic values is crucial to addressing challenges posed by authoritarian leaders emboldened by instability in the United States. The fall of established democracies in history serves as a stark warning of what may happen if complacency prevails.

Ultimately, the fight for democracy in the U.S. requires a collective effort to uphold constitutional principles, ensuring that the lessons of history are neither forgotten nor sidelined in the pursuit of power. The failure to address the threats posed by authoritarianism jeopardizes not only American democratic institutions but also the broader global order (Chestnut Greitens, 2020). Will we heed the lessons of the past, or are we destined to repeat them?

References

  • Balkin, J. M. (2017). The Constitution in the Age of Trump. The Yale Law Journal Forum, 127, 546-554.
  • Chestnut Greitens, S. (2020). The Crisis of Democracy: A Global Perspective. Journal of Democracy, 31(2), 23-34.
  • Dahl, R. A. (2022). How Democratic Is the American Constitution? Yale University Press.
  • De Vries, C. E., Hobolt, S. B., & Walter, S. (2021). The Rise of Populism in Europe: A Comparative Perspective. European Journal of Political Research, 60(1), 40-58.
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