“Blick”: You say that Donald Trump works according to a certain pattern. How should this be understood?
Francis Fukuyama: Trump learned a lot during his first term and was preparing for four years to return [do władzy]. The current administration implements its strategy step by step. He apparently assumes that in the upcoming supplementary elections he will lose the majority in the House of Representatives. That is why he tries to push his program in a short time, using the presidential decrees above all.
Some measures, such as the exacerbation of immigration policy or closing the southern border, have been actually announced. However, many did not notice the authoritarian agenda, which Trump implements – he tries to concentrate the president's power in an unprecedented way, often bypassing the applicable regulations.
He shows clear authoritarian tendencies. Although he is inhibited by existing institutions, he admires leaders such as Putin or XI Jinping.
He openly said how much he values himself that XI rules China with an iron hand. His activities towards the media, law firms and universities are also authoritarian – he uses state funds as a tool of pressure, behaving like a boss of the mafia.
“I'm afraid that the world will not return to the state before 2016.”
What could limit Trump's power?
I see the best chance of change in next year's supplementary elections. Support for Trump has dropped significantly since his inauguration. I assume that the economic situation (in the USA) will continue to deteriorate and more scandals will come out, for example related to Jeffrey Epstein.
From the left: Donald Trump and his girlfriend (future wife), former model Melania Knauss, a financier (future convicted sex offender) Jeffrey Epstein and his partner Ghislaine Maxwell at the Mar-A-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, February 12, 2000.
Voters must be aware of the seriousness of current events – for example, the expansion of the border service, which is the foundation of a police state. At some point, people will understand what is happening in their country.
Will next year's complementary elections take place?
Yes, because American federalism is very strong. For example, Trump tried to influence states such as California and New York, but it is not that simple. That is why I think it is too early to delete existing institutions.
The United States was considered a free world leader for a long time. Are they still? Or maybe we are experiencing a breakthrough?
I am afraid that the world will no longer return to the state before 2016 – that is, when Trump was elected president for the first time.
“Trump is completely unique”
What do you mean by this?
Not only Trump, but the entire Republican party is heading towards nationalism and isolationism. One -third of voters definitely supports Trump. There are many followers and ambitious politicians who want to build on his heritage.
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Democrats have not yet found a strategy to counteract it – on the contrary, they tend to move to the left, which weakens them. In my opinion, the right strategy would be to move more to the center.
Why do you think so?
For stable democracy, it is better when centrolevil and center -right parts take over power. Extreme political groups are increasingly moving away from the principles of liberal democracy. The extreme right in the US openly attacks democratic institutions and the rule of law.
At the same time, the progressive left is struggling with problems such as lack of freedom of speech and intolerance to different views. Both sides are in conflict with the basic values of the liberal society.
In your opinion, is Trump a precursor of this trend? Or maybe he follows in the footsteps of its predecessors?
NO. Trump is completely unique. In many respects he is a brilliant politician. Apart from many years of support for protectionist duties, he does not confess any coherent ideology. Basically, he does what serves his short -term interests.
His administration is the most corrupt in the history of the United States. But of course no one in the election campaign says: I want to get rich, so you should vote for me.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
