Anna's Angle

One of the most striking features of Trump’s leadership is how behaviours that would once have been unthinkable has become part of everyday American politics. His language toward journalists, branding them “enemies of the people”, directly echoes authoritarian objectives of undermining the freedom of the press and implementing censorship. Yet, over time these become just another headline; instead of sparking national outrage, these attacks were gradually absorbed into the media cycle until they seemed ordinary. This constant repetition numbs people to the seriousness of Trump’s actions. The extraordinary becomes routine, and democracy begins to erode quietly.

Another powerful tool of normalisation is humour and meme culture. Trump’s outrageous statements often go viral online not as serious warnings, but as entertainment. Whether it is laughing at his tweets, turning his speeches into memes, or mocking his behaviour and mannerisms, his persona has become part of digital culture. But this humour has a darker effect: when authoritarian behaviour is consumed as comedy, it loses its sting. Calling for a border wall, refusing to concede an election, or encouraging hostility at rallies feels less dangerous when it’s wrapped in a punchline. In this sense, comedy and meme culture can unintentionally soften the public’s perception of dictatorial actions. 

Populism also plays a key role. Trump framed himself as the ultimate defender of the people against a ‘corrupt establishment’. By presenting dictatorial actions such as discrediting judges or dismissing election results as ‘acts of patriotism’, he rebranded his own desperate grabs for power as protecting democracy. Trump supporters see his defiance not as a threat to freedom, but as proof that he is a loyal patriot who is fighting for those who follow him. Populism, therefore, provides the emotional justification for his dangerous behaviour, making it feel not only acceptable but righteous.

The key sociological question is: why do people accept authoritarianism? Part of the answer lies in the insecurity of a nation. Economic crises, inequality, and rapid cultural change leave people searching for certainty. Figure heads of power like Trump promise strength, stability, and protection, even if that means sacrificing democratic principles. For many of his supporters, the idea of a “strong leader” feels more comforting than, in the eyes of extremists, a leader who is too weak to fight for them.

Social media also accelerates this process. Platforms like X, Facebook, and TikTok create echo chambers where extremist right-wing views are left unchecked, and misinformation can spread faster than facts. Conspiracy theories also often gain more attention than reasoned debate, perpetuating the fear and suspicion even further. Authoritarian leaders thrive in these spaces, as they can bypass traditional media and speak directly to their base, reinforcing a sense of community and shared ‘identity’.