Trump States Americans ‘Won’t Have to Vote Anymore’ If He Wins
An Ominous Departure from Democratic Norms
In a shocking move, former President Donald Trump recently declared to his supporters that they won’t have to vote again if they elect him into presidency. “You won’t have to do it anymore,” Trump declared at a summit in Florida. “It’ll be fixed; it’ll be fine; you won’t have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians.” These statements represent an extraordinary deviation from democratic norms rarely exhibited by candidates of a major party. They redefine democracy as we know it, ominously echoing the practices of autocracy.
Interpreting the Remarks
Trump’s statement yields two interpretations. The first suggests that the event of future elections could be abolished entirely if he regains power. This indicates his aspirations to assume a role akin to that of China’s dictatorial head of state, whom he often lauds. However, his statement was cryptic enough to allow for plausible deniability. The second, slightly more beneficent interpretation suggests that his tenure would cement so many pro-Christian policies that no future election could reverse his transformation of the country. Either way, it’s clear that Trump is signaling his authoritarian aspirations without any attempt to disguise them.
Trump’s Authoritarian Track Record
Trump’s remarks are the most recent in a vehicle loaded with his history of endorsing authoritarian ideologies and strongmen of undemocratic regimes. From his first presidential campaign, Trump has seemingly adopted every strategy from the authoritarian rulebook. His practices involve incessant fabrication of information, condemnation of the press, and embracing nepotism to an extreme degree.
Undeniably, the tableau of his authoritarian instincts was best captured towards the twilight of his presidential term. His persistent instigation of political violence reached its peak when he incited a mob to attack the United States Capitol with the hopes of overturning election results.
A Threat to American Democracy?
Trump’s brazen plans to transform democracy makes him an existential threat to the American democratic system. His ability to mobilize his base—deemed “authoritarian voters”—is alarming as they are prepared to betray democracy to have their way. Particularly concerning is the trend among Trump’s supporters to defend and justify his autocratic aspirations while condemning fully democratic processes.
This chilling adaptation of the political language among GOP members paints a dystopian picture of the American political landscape. They dismiss the January 6 insurrection as a “normal tourist visit” and defend attempts at launching a coordinated conspiracy as normal political behavior.
The Impending Threat
Trump poses a unique and serious threat to America’s democratic institutions that regulate power structures and facilitate self-governance. It’s high time the public stop giving him the benefit of the doubt. He has voiced his intents; now it is the responsibility of voters to take him seriously and make their voting decisions accordingly. His own words remind us of the stakes: “If you don’t [vote], you may never need to again.”
