The Trump administration is executing a systematic dismantling of the United States’ democratic foundations, and Europe must not turn a blind eye to this alarming trend. As European democracies grapple with their own internal challenges and external threats, they have witnessed this dangerous playbook before. While it may be tempting for European leaders to prioritize economic and defense ties with a volatile U.S. president, this shortsightedness compromises the long-term interests of the continent.
The reality is stark: Europe’s growth and security hinge upon the resilience of democracy in the U.S. The time for Europe to act is now—defending democratic values is not just an American issue; it is a global imperative. This involves fortifying democratic institutions within Europe, investing in democracy-promoting initiatives abroad, and acknowledging a harsh truth: the United States is experiencing a significant backslide in its democratic practices.
The state of American democracy is more precarious than many Europeans may realize. The Trump administration has taken alarming steps to undermine free and fair elections ahead of the crucial 2026 midterms. Pardoning rioters who violently attempted to overturn the 2020 election results and revising intelligence assessments on foreign interference are just the tip of the iceberg. New legislation and executive orders targeting voter registration threaten to disenfranchise millions, while states that resist these demands risk losing vital election security funding. Trump’s repeated musings about running for an unconstitutional third term and his flippant remarks about canceling the 2028 elections lay bare a chilling disregard for democratic norms.
The system of checks and balances, a cornerstone of American democracy, has been hollowed out. The Republican-controlled Congress, intimidated by threats of primary challenges and violence, has become a mere rubber stamp for the president’s autocratic ambitions. While some courts challenge this overreach, the conservative-dominated Supreme Court has enabled unprecedented executive powers, including granting the president absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken in his official capacity. This erosion of accountability is deeply concerning and must not go unchallenged.
Since taking office, the Trump administration has launched a targeted assault on the civil service, branding nonpartisan federal employees as “crooked” and illegally terminating thousands of them. This campaign of intimidation has created a culture of fear among remaining staff and even led to the shuttering of critical agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development.
In the wake of political violence and the assassination of figures like Charlie Kirk, the administration has intensified efforts to suppress dissent. Threatening to revoke visas for those “celebrating” Kirk’s death and designating antifa as a terrorist organization are tactics borrowed from authoritarian regimes. Furthermore, Trump’s strategic attacks on critical media outlets and public broadcasters undermine the very fabric of a free society.
The administration’s inhumane immigration policies have painted a grotesque picture of America, with masked agents abducting individuals, denying due process, and deporting people to unsafe regions. The redefining of what it means to be American—culminating in an executive order that ends birthright citizenship—further deepens the divide in U.S. society.
Moreover, the militarization of law enforcement and politicization of the military exacerbate tensions in America. The deployment of armed National Guard troops in cities and racially profiling detentions create an atmosphere of fear and oppression. These actions are not merely domestic issues; they signal a dangerous shift that threatens to reverberate across borders.
The alarming rise of U.S. authoritarianism does not stop at its borders. The Trump administration is exporting its anti-democratic practices to Europe, normalizing crackdowns on dissent and undermining democratic values globally. Vice President J.D. Vance’s accusations against European leaders for suppressing free speech reflect a troubling hypocrisy, as the U.S. itself grapples with its own democratic failures.
The European response to this crisis must be resolute. European leaders should not shy away from voicing their concerns about the erosion of democracy in the U.S. Fear of retaliation from the Trump administration should not dictate the silence that allows democratic backsliding to fester. Europe’s own democracies must serve as a bulwark against authoritarian contagion, promoting a united front against the far-right elements that are gaining ground both in the U.S. and across Europe.
Additionally, Europe should bolster its investments in democracy organizations globally. As the U.S. cuts foreign aid, European nations must step up to ensure that the global order remains rooted in the rule of law. This is not just a matter of foreign policy; it is an existential challenge that calls for decisive action to safeguard the values that underpin stability and prosperity.
The stakes of inaction are high. History has shown us that silence in the face of tyranny facilitates the erosion of democracy. Europe must prepare for the ramifications of U.S. authoritarianism and reevaluate its relationship with a country that increasingly undermines the principles of freedom and justice.
The time has come for Europe to take a stand. To defend democracy is not merely an act of solidarity with American citizens; it is a necessary step to protect the future of democracy itself. The choice before European leaders is clear: they can either defend the democratic values that have long served as the bedrock of global stability or risk losing them entirely. The window to protect democracy in the U.S. is rapidly closing, and Europe has a crucial role to play in this fight.
This article highlights the importance of Stand for Democracy.
