Democracy on the Brink: Trump’s First 60 Days of Chaos Recap
A short recap of the unprecedented corruption, lawlessness, and attacks on democratic norms.
America has weathered its share of controversial administrations, but the opening months of Donald Trump’s presidency have unleashed an unprecedented barrage of corruption, lawlessness, and direct assaults on democratic institutions. If the past 60 days are any indication, we are entering an era where personal power and corporate interests threaten to eclipse the rule of law.
The relentless flood of scandals and executive overreach isn’t accidental—it’s a strategy. As Steve Bannon himself described, "muzzle velocity" is the tactic of overwhelming the media with chaos, leaving both journalists and the public disoriented and exhausted. The goal? To make resistance seem futile.
But let’s set the record straight: opposition is not only alive—it’s gaining strength. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the most dangerous and corrupt moves made so far.
The Weaponization of Government for Personal Gain
Trump's Self-Enriching Business Ventures
Trump launched his own cryptocurrency ($Trump), creating a massive conflict of interest. Given his position, foreign and domestic actors could use the currency to funnel money to him, raising major ethical concerns.
His social media empire continues to grow, with allegations that pro-Trump content receives algorithmic boosts while dissenting voices are subtly throttled.
The Firing of the FTC Commissioners
Trump illegally fired two Democratic Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioners in an effort to take control of the agency that oversees corporate regulation.
The dismissals have already led to legal challenges, as independent agencies are supposed to be shielded from direct presidential interference.
The "DOGE" Department and Elon Musk’s Expanding Power
Trump appointed Elon Musk to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a newly created agency designed to slash federal programs.
Under Musk’s leadership, the administration attempted to dismantle USAID, the primary U.S. agency for international humanitarian aid, until a federal judge blocked the move.
Musk’s businesses (Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink) continue to receive government contracts, raising conflicts of interest as he wields power in both the private and public sectors.
Access to Sensitive Information: Individuals associated with Musk have reportedly gained access to sensitive Treasury Department data, prompting questions about the adequacy of vetting processes and the safeguarding of confidential information.
Open Defiance of the Law and Judicial Orders
Ignoring Court Orders on Deportations
The administration defied a court order that blocked the deportation of Venezuelan nationals, sending them to El Salvador anyway.
This is a direct violation of judicial authority, setting a dangerous precedent where the executive branch ignores legal rulings it dislikes.
Expanding Executive Overreach in Immigration
Trump signed an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship, despite the fact that the 14th Amendment explicitly guarantees it.
Multiple courts have already issued injunctions against the policy, but the administration has signaled it may defy the rulings.
Purging the Department of Justice
Trump has taken aggressive steps to replace independent prosecutors with loyalists who are seen as less likely to investigate his administration.
Reports indicate that cases involving his business dealings and political allies have been quietly dropped.
Eroding Democratic Institutions
Threats Against Judges and Courts
Trump has called for the impeachment of federal judges who ruled against his policies.
He has publicly attacked members of the judiciary, including Chief Justice John Roberts, undermining public trust in the courts.
Using Federal Power to Intimidate the Press
Trump sued CBS’ 60 Minutes for $10 billion, accusing them of unfair coverage—a move widely seen as an attempt to intimidate journalists.
The administration kicked the Associated Press out of the White House press room for refusing to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of America'.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), now under Trump’s control, hinted that CBS’ parent company (Paramount) could face regulatory hurdles on its merger—blatant political retaliation.
Limiting Government Transparency
Trump has drastically reduced public disclosure of White House visitor logs.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request process has been slowed to a crawl, blocking access to documents about government decision-making.
The International Corruption Web
Favors for Foreign Leaders
Trump has been accused of reopening negotiations with Russian officials on lifting sanctions in a shadow diplomacy effort.
His administration has continued selling arms to Saudi Arabia, despite bipartisan opposition and human rights concerns.
China has expanded business agreements with Trump-linked companies, leading to speculation that his policies are being shaped by personal financial interests.
Halting Anti-Corruption Enforcement
The administration paused enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which prevents U.S. businesses from bribing foreign officials.
This rollback directly benefits companies with overseas operations—including many of Trump's own corporate partners.
The Death of Accountability?
Two months into this new Trump term, the most dangerous trend is not just corruption—it’s the erosion of accountability. Courts issue rulings, but they are ignored. Investigative bodies are neutered. Federal agencies are transformed into personal tools for revenge and self-enrichment.
The question now isn’t whether these actions are happening—we have clear evidence that they are. There’s an even larger looming question -
What happens if no one stops it?
Will Congress push back? Will courts enforce their rulings? Or will America’s institutions simply bend to the will of a leader who refuses to be bound by the law?
How do we stop this slide into authoritarianism?