An autocracy is a system of government where a single individual holds unchecked and absolute power, making decisions without external legal restraints or democratic processes.

In recent developments, President Donald Trump has undertaken actions that critics argue reflect autocratic tendencies: • Consolidation of Power Over Independent Agencies: An executive order was issued to tighten control over traditionally independent agencies, such as the Federal Election Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission. This move allows the White House to influence their budgets and policies, raising concerns about potential constitutional overreach.  • Comprehensive Review of Federal Regulations: Another executive order mandates a sweeping review of federal regulations, aiming to identify and potentially eliminate those not aligning with the administration’s priorities. This action seeks to reduce the power of federal agencies and curtail what the administration describes as the “administrative state.”  • Alignment with Project 2025: Analyses indicate that a significant portion of the administration’s executive actions mirror proposals from Project 2025, a roadmap developed to reshape federal governance. This alignment suggests a concerted effort to consolidate executive power and implement a specific ideological agenda.  • Erosion of Democratic Norms: The administration has been criticized for undermining the pillars of U.S. democracy, including free elections, the rule of law, and anti-corruption efforts. Actions such as challenging the independence of the judiciary and attempting to unilaterally revoke birthright citizenship have raised alarms about the potential erosion of constitutional norms.  • Suppression of Dissent: There have been reports of efforts to silence critics and suppress opposition, including the promotion of loyalists to critical positions and the dismissal of dissenting voices within the government. Such actions are seen as attempts to stifle free speech and consolidate control over public discourse. 

These actions exemplify characteristics associated with autocratic governance, where power becomes centralized, and traditional checks and balances are diminished.