In the first 100 days of President Trump's second term, his administration has taken steps that threaten the foundational principles of American democracy, aiming to consolidate power and bypassing the checks and balances established by the Constitution. Trump has challenged the separation of powers by undermining judicial authority and disregarding congressional mandates, while also eroding due process by making unilateral decisions without legal precedent. Despite legally enacting some popular policies, his administration's use of federal power as a political tool has compromised equal justice under law and restricted free speech through punitive actions against critics. To counter these threats, it is crucial to build a broad coalition across political and ideological lines, focusing on democratic processes and constitutional integrity rather than emotional reactions. By strategically opposing Trump's authoritarian tendencies and leveraging declining public approval, Americans can safeguard democracy and prevent further erosion of democratic norms.

President Trump's attempts to override Congress and the courts aim to create an unconstrained presidency, threatening the constitutional separation of powers and potentially leading future presidents to adopt similar autocratic approaches.

His administration has shown contempt for the judicial branch, resisting information requests and defying court orders, while also attacking Congress by refusing to enforce laws like the mandated sale of TikTok, thus easing the path toward an unchecked presidency.

Trump has bypassed due process in several instances, such as firing federal workers without notice and deporting immigrants without allowing them to defend themselves, raising concerns about the breakdown of fundamental human rights.

The use of federal law enforcement as a political tool has been evident in the investigation of ActBlue and the punitive actions against law firms and critics, indicating a politicization of justice reminiscent of tactics used by authoritarian leaders worldwide.

Trump's actions against free speech include removing books from the Naval Academy library and suing media outlets over unfavorable coverage, while also using government powers to silence critics, particularly those opposing his views on Israel.

Efforts to enrich himself and his allies, such as the creation of crypto coins and the rollback of regulations, highlight a pattern of self-serving governance that undermines public interest and accountability.

To effectively counter these authoritarian threats, Americans must form a strategic coalition that transcends political divides, focusing on constitutional violations and leveraging Trump's declining popularity to restrain his ambitions.