The erosion of democratic norms in the United States is accelerating and the nation may already be significantly further along a trajectory toward populist autocracy than many realize. This stark assessment comes from Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of “The Atlantic”, in a recent interview with “Der Spiegel”, highlighting a deeply concerning shift within the American political landscape.
Goldberg’s analysis centers on the calculated dismantling of accountability mechanisms surrounding former President Donald Trump. He argues that his team possesses a “playbook of populists” and is actively pursuing its implementation. Trump, according to Goldberg, is systematically “freeing the governmental system from all those who could hold him accountable” aggressively purging individuals who might expose corruption within his administration. This deliberate targeting of potential oversight represents a systemic attack on the checks and balances essential for a functioning democracy.
Beyond the direct actions of Trump and his allies, Goldberg points a critical finger at the role of social media in exacerbating the crisis. He notes that the historical value placed on political compromise has been supplanted by a reward system that favors extreme positions. This phenomenon, he suggests, cultivates a climate of polarization and obstructs constructive dialogue, raising serious questions about whether American democracy can withstand the long-term impact of these platforms.
Goldberg’s perspective carries considerable weight; he is widely regarded as one of the most respected journalists in the United States. His unwitting inclusion in a Signal group chat detailing a planned airstrike on Yemen, followed by a subsequent invitation to the White House from Trump, inadvertently illuminates the former president’s pursuit of influence and control. Goldberg describes Trump’s obsession with “money and attention” as key drivers of his behavior, emphasizing his belief that “whoever controls the news cycle is a winner.
This observation underscores a broader issue: the weaponization of media and the deliberate manipulation of public perception as tools for undermining democratic institutions and consolidating power. Goldberg’s cautionary words demand a rigorous examination of the forces reshaping American politics and a renewed commitment to safeguarding the principles of accountability, transparency and responsible public discourse.