America’s Political Crossroads: What Trump’s Return Means for the Future of Democracy
January 22, 2025 | Jeffrey Goldberg with Madeleine Brand: Inauguration Week: Where Are We Headed?
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, The Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg shared his thoughts on the implications of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, the Democratic Party’s failures, and the broader threats facing American democracy. Goldberg, a veteran journalist with a deep understanding of political and social issues, has extensively covered Trump’s impact on American institutions. In the discussion, he provided a sobering assessment of how Trump’s policies, media strategy, and growing influence over government institutions could reshape the country for years to come.
How the Democrats Lost the 2024 Election
One of Goldberg’s key takeaways was that Trump’s victory was as much a failure of the Democratic Party as it was a success for the Republican Party. He pointed to Biden’s reluctance to step aside earlier in the election cycle as a critical mistake. While Biden initially positioned himself as a transitional figure in 2020, he and the Democratic establishment refused to open the door for a new generation of leaders, forcing a late and chaotic transition to Kamala Harris.
“The Democrats tried to fool Americans into thinking they weren’t seeing what they were seeing,” Goldberg said, referring to Biden’s visible aging and declining public confidence. By waiting too long to switch candidates and failing to energize voters with fresh leadership, the Democrats essentially handed Trump a victory. Goldberg also highlighted the party’s inability to communicate with working-class voters, particularly men, who increasingly feel alienated by Democratic rhetoric and priorities.
Trump’s Authoritarian Tendencies and Media Control
Goldberg also explored the growing concerns about Trump’s autocratic impulses. While some predict a slide into an Orban-style autocracy, Goldberg cautioned that the U.S. remains too large and complex for a direct comparison to Hungary. However, he noted that Trump has refined his approach to power, learning from the missteps of his first term.
One major shift has been Trump’s ability to consolidate loyalty among government officials. Rather than appointing experienced bureaucrats or political experts, his administration is now filled with allies who prioritize loyalty over competence. This strategy extends to his handling of executive orders—rolling them out in rapid succession to overwhelm media scrutiny and public response. “He sets the tempo,” Goldberg explained. “He decides what we’re paying attention to, keeping opponents constantly on the back foot.”
Another significant shift is Trump’s increasing influence over major media platforms. The presence of Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos at Trump’s inauguration underscored how tech leaders are positioning themselves within his power structure. With platforms like X, Facebook, and YouTube under the influence of executives eager to maintain favor with the administration, the risk of a controlled or manipulated media landscape grows. “The most disturbing thing about the inauguration,” Goldberg noted, “was that the people who control the distribution of information, especially to our children, were all sitting there like lap dogs.”
What’s Next for American Democracy?
Despite Trump’s victory, Goldberg emphasized that the election results were far from a broad mandate. “Republicans win 49% of the vote and treat it like a divine mandate,” he observed. “Democrats win 48% and collapse into existential despair.” The reality is that America remains deeply divided, and Trump’s hold on power is not absolute.
Looking ahead, Goldberg believes that the Democratic Party must focus on practical solutions rather than identity politics. “Stop telling people that they’re bad for driving trucks or using gas,” he advised. Democrats must reconnect with working- and middle-class voters, focusing on economic issues that resonate beyond elite circles. He also pointed to emerging leaders like Gretchen Whitmer, Josh Shapiro, and Wes Moore as potential figures who could revitalize the party’s message.
As for whether Trump will leave office after his second term, Goldberg was skeptical of conspiracy theories suggesting he will refuse to step down. However, he did acknowledge that the Trump family, including figures like Donald Trump Jr., could attempt to establish a political dynasty. “Nothing would surprise me,” he said. “But at the end of the day, Trump is transactional. He takes what he wants and moves on.”
Conclusion
Goldberg’s discussion painted a stark picture of America’s political future. While Trump’s presidency poses serious challenges to democracy, it is not an unstoppable force. The Democratic Party still has a path forward—but only if it learns from its mistakes, broadens its appeal, and effectively counters Trump’s dominance over the media and political narrative.
As America stands at this crossroads, the battle for democracy is not just about one leader—it’s about how institutions, political parties, and the media adapt to an evolving and often volatile landscape. The coming years will determine whether Trump’s return cements a new era of Republican dominance or sparks a Democratic resurgence that redefines the future of American politics.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.