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Dear friends of VTIPG and the Community Change Collaborative,
We share five articles each week that we find timely and meaningful that address concerns related to the state of our democracy and civil society. We aim to offer pieces that illuminate significant dimensions of our country's policy and governance challenges and the state of social norms that sustain the possibility of addressing those concerns. Please note, the views expressed in these essays do not necessarily reflect the perspectives of VTIPG faculty or staff or of Virginia Tech. We upload these articles and stories to our website. You may find that archive at News and Opportunities at http://ipg.vt.edu.
Five Pieces will focus on the 45th President of United States and current President-Elect Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election this week.
If you would like to suggest an article for consideration, please contact the address below.
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Our first piece this week comes from Vox. It discussed Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 election, and how American democracy is at grave risk these next four years as a result.
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A second selection, from CNN, argued that Trump's second administration is likely to be characterized by a stable of loyalists and enablers, a stark contrast from his first.
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The Hill published our third story, which discussed the potential implications of a second Trump administration for the U.S Supreme Court.
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A fourth article, from The Associated Press, discussed how a second Trump term may affect U.S. foreign policy.
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Last, we feature a recent press release from the Union of Concerned Scientists that sought to chart a path forward for defending science and democracy during the next four years.
Brief synopses of these articles appear below. We hope the perspectives they offer encourage reflection and conversation!
Best wishes,
Billy Parvatam
VTIPG Communications Coordinator
pbilly97@vt.edu.
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Photo: 45th President of the United States and current President-Elect Donald Trump. Credit to Wikipedia. |
Donald Trump has won — and American democracy is now in grave danger
Vox Senior Correspondent Zack Beauchamp discussed Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 election in this piece. Beauchamp argued that Trump’s coming second term represents the gravest threat to American democracy since the Civil War, as Trump will be able to make his antidemocratic dreams a reality, since he will have Republican control of both (likely) Congressional chambers and a very sympathetic Supreme Court. However, the correspondent also argued that there are reasons to be hopeful. To start, Blue state officials will continue to control statewide election administration in those states, nullifying Trump's baseless attacks on election integrity. Additionally, the media will hopefully resist efforts by Trump's government to compromise its independence by holding him accountable for his actions. The military, which is apolitical, is also likely to push back against unlawful orders. Overall, Beauchamp concluded that although it will be a difficult four years, the fate of the country ultimately will depend on how many Americans are willing to resist any anti-democratic claims Trump may advance while advocating for a better future.
Beauchamp, Z. (2024, November 6). "Donald Trump has won - and American democracy is now in grave danger". Vox. https://www.vox.com/2024-elections/382696/donald-trump-wins-2024-election-results-democracy
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Photo: Then-President Donald Trump with Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Vice President Mike Pence. Credit to Vox. | |
Trump's second term will look nothing like his first
CNN reporters Kevin Liptak and Kaitlan Collins discussed the stark differences likely to characterize a second Trump term, compared to his first. The places that stabilizing individuals occupied in his first Cabinet are likely now to be replaced by loyalists who will simply do what he asks. In addition, the Anti-Trump Republicans present in Congress in his first term have largely retired or been voted out of office. Trump also now enjoys a supermajority of supporters on the Supreme Court. In short, none of these institutions are likely to contest imprudent or undemocratic actions as occurred at least some of the time during his first term. Trump has already, for example, refused to participate in a conventional presidential transition process with the Biden administration while also publicly mulling sidestepping Congressional approval for his preferred Cabinet appointees.
Liptak, K., & Collins, K. (2024, November 6). "Trump’s second term will look nothing like his first." CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/06/politics/second-term-donald-trump/index.html
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Photo: The U.S. Supreme Court. Credit to Wikipedia. | |
Pollster warns of impact of Trump victory on Supreme Court
This Hill article discussed Republican pollster Frank Luntz's perspective concerning likely Supreme Court actions during Trump's second term. Luntz noted that two justices look set to retire in the next few years. With Republicans having recaptured Senate control this week, Trump should have no trouble gaining confirmation for his nominees for those seats and, assuming such occurs, he will have appointed five individuals to the Court during his two terms and cemented his judicial legacy for decades to come.
Timotija, F. (2024, November 6). Pollster warns of impact of Trump victory on Supreme Court. The Hill. https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4975672-pollster-frank-luntz-trump-supreme-court/
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Photo: Then-President Trump with NATO leaders in 2018. Credit to NBC News. | |
Global leaders congratulate Trump but his victory looks set to roil the world —
again
This Associated Press article argued that Trump's victory could affect U.S. foreign policy sharply. Jill Lawless suggested that NATO and Ukrainian officials are anxious, as Trump has said he would not defend NATO allies if they did not meet his preferred defense spending targets. He also has not been supportive of continuing military aid to Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself from Russia’s invasion. Additionally, Trump has been supportive of aggressive Israeli military action in its ongoing conflict with Hamas and other groups in the Middle East. Lastly, he has indicated he will impose high tariffs with China, which could result in a destructive trade war with the nation with the world’s second largest economy.
Lawless, J. (2024, November 6). "Global leaders congratulate Trump but his victory looks set to roil the world - again." Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/us-election-trump-global-reaction-7f7d4c5f6b84f263d7c49bb4978ab418
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Photo: Then- President Donald Trump points to the sun as he viewed a solar eclipse, against the recommendation of scientists, Aug. 21, 2017. Credit to NPR. | |
A path forward for science and democracy
This press release by the non-profit Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) examined how to protect science and democracy in a second Trump administration. Jennifer Jones contended that Trump’s first term saw 207 reported attacks on science and scientists, including censorship, false records, and political interference. This war of intimidation will likely continue for the next four years, as Trump has promised to fire government scientists and eliminate science agencies. Jones assured readers that the non-profit is taking all steps it can to contest any such attacks as may arise in the years to come.
Jones, J. (2024, November 6). "A path forward for science and democracy." Union of Concerned Scientists. https://blog.ucsusa.org/jennifer-jones/a-path-forward-for-science-and-democracy/
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