Dangerous cracks in US democracy pillars
www.brookings.edu
The pillars of U.S. democracy—free elections, the rule of law, and anti-corruption efforts—face threats under the new Trump administration.
  • Three of the seven pillars of democracy laid out in the Democracy Playbook 2025—protect elections, defend rule of law, and fight corruption—have been put under acute stress by the actions of the new Trump administration.
  • While there have been resistance efforts from across sectors, such as civil society organizations, media, and state officials, there is a need and opportunity for more efforts to preserve and strengthen the cracking pillars of democracy.