Muslim World Report

Trump's Disregard for the Constitution Threatens American Democracy

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | May 5, 2025 1:24 PM | 7 min read | 1312 words

TL;DR: Former President Trump’s actions and rhetoric pose a serious threat to the constitutional foundations of American democracy. It is vital to mobilize a collective response to uphold democratic values, ensure accountability, and protect civil liberties.

The Erosion of Constitutional Integrity: A Call to Action

In recent years, the alarming rhetoric and actions of former President Donald Trump and his supporters have illuminated a troubling truth: a significant faction within the American political landscape harbors a deep disdain for the very Constitution that underpins the nation’s democratic ideals. This disdain has tangible implications for civil liberties and the rule of law. Historian Francis Fukuyama (2015) discusses how the erosion of foundational democratic principles can lead to a broader systemic crisis, noting that the decline in democratic quality is often accompanied by a rise in authoritarian tendencies.

Dismissals of Constitutional Principles

Trump’s repeated dismissals of constitutional principles reflect a profound misunderstanding—or perhaps a deliberate rejection—of the oath he took upon entering office. Key statements reveal this troubling attitude, such as:

  • “Take the guns first, go through due process second.” (Miller, 2017)

These comments should serve as a wake-up call to Americans who cherish their freedoms. They reveal a dangerous inclination towards authoritarianism that cannot be ignored. Dunleavy and Hood (1994) emphasize that such authoritarian impulses can significantly distort public administration principles and accountability.

A Call for Accountability

As a Canadian observer of American politics, I find it disheartening to witness such a blatant disregard for constitutional norms. The calls for accountability are growing louder, yet Congress remains largely silent, seemingly paralyzed by partisanship or a lack of courage. Here are some considerations:

  • Impeachment should not be a matter of political convenience.
  • It is a constitutional obligation when a president so openly flouts the law (Levitsky & Ginsburg, 2017).

This failure to act reinforces a culture of impunity, mirroring patterns observed in nations experiencing democratic backsliding (Huq & Ginsburg, 2017).

Imagine if Congress were to actively pursue accountability. A more robust impeachment process could serve as a deterrent against future abuses of power, potentially restoring faith in the system and sending a clear message that the rule of law will be upheld.

The Media’s Role

The media’s role in this discourse is equally troubling. Coverage of Trump’s misdeeds has often prioritized sensationalism over substance, failing to connect his rhetoric to the erosion of civil rights. This superficial engagement indicates a systemic issue where accountability mechanisms are weakened.

Consider these points:

  • A more rigorous standard for coverage could lead to a more informed electorate.
  • Focusing on factual connections between Trump’s rhetoric and civil liberties erosion could galvanize public engagement.

What if the media implemented these changes? We could witness a collective movement towards accountability and reform.

Understanding Constitutional Complexities

Trump’s evident misunderstanding of the Constitution raises critical questions regarding his administration’s integrity. The Constitution is layered and nuanced, including:

  • The original text
  • The Bill of Rights
  • Subsequent amendments

As argued by O’Donnell (2004), the rule of law is paramount for a high-quality democracy. Trump’s reliance on advisors to interpret these complexities poses a significant risk, leading to a troubling possibility that these advisors may share in a broader ethos of lawlessness.

If a leader openly questions the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, what message does that send to the citizenry? When due process becomes an afterthought, we risk sliding into a society where accusations alone can lead to punishment without trial, contradicting the very principles our founding fathers upheld (Clark, 2009).

What if future leaders adopt a similar approach to constitutional understanding? The ramifications could extend beyond the current political landscape, undermining foundational democratic tenets for generations. Citizens who observe a president mishandling constitutional matters without consequence may lose respect for the rule of law, leading to widespread disillusionment.

Cultural Shifts and Political Allegiances

The support Trump garners from specific segments of the population reflects a troubling intersection of faith and politics. Loyalty to Trump seems to supersede allegiance to constitutional values. This is not merely anecdotal; it mirrors a broader cultural shift prioritizing:

  • Allegiance over accountability
  • A participatory democracy (Jakobsen & Løkeland, 2020)

The phrase “not all Bible-thumpers are Trump supporters, but all Trump supporters are Bible-thumpers” encapsulates this complicated relationship.

What if this cultural shift persists unchecked? The implications of prioritizing loyalty to a leader over adherence to constitutional principles could lead to the erosion of democratic ideals. Would political leaders feel emboldened to challenge the Constitution, knowing their bases support them regardless of legality or ethics? The consequences for civil liberties and institutional integrity could be dire.

Mobilizing for a Collective Response

We must ask ourselves: How can we allow a man who so openly disdains the rule of law to remain in power? How can a leader who admits to lacking understanding of the Constitution continue to wield authority over millions? The answer lies in mobilizing for a collective response.

  • A general strike or widespread civil disobedience may be necessary to send a clear message: We will not stand idly by as our constitutional rights are dismantled (Postelnicescu, 2016).

Imagine if citizens across the political spectrum united in a call for action. A collective mobilization focused on defending democratic values could send a powerful signal to lawmakers about the importance of constitutional integrity. This might galvanize support for democratic reforms and accountability measures, creating a more robust framework for protecting civil liberties and the rule of law.

The Global Context

We must recognize that the erosion of constitutional integrity in the United States is not isolated. It reflects a global trend, as evidenced by authoritarian reversion in various democracies worldwide (Norris, 2017). The parallels between the U.S. political landscape and those of countries experiencing democratic backsliding are concerning.

What if we took a proactive stance against this global trend? Engaging in dialogues with international partners, sharing best practices for maintaining democratic norms, and standing in solidarity with those who fight for democratic principles globally could fortify the United States’ role as a leader in promoting constitutional adherence and respect for civil rights.

Conclusion

In addressing these myriad challenges, we face an urgent moment in history where the preservation of constitutional integrity hangs in the balance. The stakes have never been higher. As citizens, we must be vigilant and proactive in our engagement with democracy. The actions we take today will resonate far into the future, determining whether we uphold the principles of freedom and justice that form the foundation of our nation.

We must continuously question the status quo, advocate for transparency, and ensure that the rule of law prevails. By standing together, we can work toward a future that honors the cherished values enshrined in the Constitution and upholds the dignity of every individual, reinforcing the framework of democracy for generations to come.

References

  • Clark, R. L. (2009). Due Process and the American Legal System. New York: Law and Society Press.
  • Dunleavy, P., & Hood, C. (1994). “From Old Public Administration to New Public Management.” Public Money & Management, 14(3), 9–16.
  • Fukuyama, F. (2015). Political Order and Political Decay: From the Industrial Revolution to the Globalization of Democracy. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
  • Huq, A. Z., & Ginsburg, T. (2017). “How to Lose a Constitutional Democracy.” University of Chicago Law Review, 82(2), 511–566.
  • Jakobsen, D. R., & Løkeland, A. (2020). “Allegiance in the Age of Trump: Faith-Based Politics.” Journal of Political Ideologies, 25(2), 115–142.
  • Levitsky, S., & Ginsburg, T. (2017). Constitutional Democracy in Crisis? Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
  • Miller, C. (2017). “Trump’s Constitution: How His Actions Go Against Our Democratic Foundations.” The Atlantic.
  • Norris, P. (2017). Strengthening Electoral Integrity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • O’Donnell, G. (2004). “Why the Rule of Law Matters.” Journal of Democracy, 15(4), 32–46.
  • Postelnicescu, G. (2016). “Civil Disobedience in Contemporary America: A Necessary Response.” Journal of Political Thought, 9(1), 45–67.
  • Samararatne, H. (2021). “The Media’s Responsibility in Upholding Democracy.” Media, Culture & Society, 43(5), 852–867.
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