Concerns Rise Over U.S. Democratic Backsliding

As the United States approaches the 2026 midterm elections, growing concerns are emerging among political scientists regarding the potential for further erosion of democratic norms. Some experts argue the U.S. Has already transitioned into an “electoral autocracy,” while others describe a slide toward “competitive authoritarianism.” These assessments stem from actions perceived as attempts to undermine electoral fairness and suppress dissent.

Defining Electoral Autocracy and Competitive Authoritarianism

Staffan I. Lindberg, director of Sweden’s V-Dem Institute, which monitors democracy globally, asserts that the U.S. Has crossed the threshold into an “electoral autocracy.” V-Dem Institute Steven Levitsky, a professor of government at Harvard University, proposes a slightly different categorization, suggesting the U.S. Has entered a phase of “competitive authoritarianism.”

Under competitive authoritarianism, elections continue to be held, but the ruling party employs tactics such as attacking the press, disenfranchising voters, weaponizing the justice system, and intimidating critics to gain an unfair advantage.

Specific Concerns and Actions

Levitsky highlighted two events in September 2025 as particularly concerning. The first involved a threat from the Trump administration to Disney, the parent company of ABC, following comments made by Jimmy Kimmel. The second was President Trump’s proposal to use U.S. Cities as training grounds for military troops, stating the nation was under “invasion from within,” a phrase reminiscent of language used by dictators in South America during the 1970s.

Yet, not all scholars agree with this assessment. Jonathan Turley, a professor at George Washington University Law School, argues that the Trump administration is addressing perceived excesses of the previous administration and seeking to address bias within news organizations and universities.

Recent Events and Public Reaction

The shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis last month have drawn significant public criticism. CBS News Tom Homan, border czar, announced that the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota is ending. Kurt Weyland, a researcher at the University of Texas at Austin, believes this public backlash will limit the administration’s ability to employ similar aggressive tactics in the future.

Protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took place across the country, including in Los Angeles, with some demonstrations turning confrontational. Los Angeles Times LAPD declared a citywide tactical alert and issued a dispersal order during protests on January 30, 2026.

Upcoming Challenges and Potential Threats

The upcoming midterm elections present a critical test for American democracy. The Trump administration is pursuing legal action to obtain voter data, raising concerns among experts like Kim Scheppele of Princeton University, who has studied authoritarian tactics employed by Viktor Orbán in Hungary.

Steve Bannon, a close ally of President Trump, proposed deploying ICE agents to polling places to identify undocumented migrants attempting to vote, a move that would be illegal. CBS News While White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the president had not discussed such a plan, experts worry that even contemplating such a move could suppress voter participation among communities of color and naturalized citizens.