The deadly insurrection on Capitol Hill this past January was a direct result of former president Donald Trump’s relentless attack on American Democracy. For two and a half centuries, American presidents have acted as both the head of government (like a prime minister in other regimes) and head of state (like a monarch). During his term in office, Trump took advantage of his power as a quasi-monarch in profoundly disturbing ways. He condoned racism and praised violent groups like the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers. He also used his influence as the highest-ranking official in the country as a way to incite violence against reporters and political foes. On January 6, Congress convened to count the Electoral College votes that would confirm Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States. Simultaneously, Trump encouraged his supporters to threaten our nation’s foundation with intimidation, violence, and anarchy during his "Save America" rally. And they did exactly as instructed.

zIssue 30, ArticlesKimberly RichmanMarch 3, 2021democratic party, republican party, bipartisanship, partisonship, January 6, Donald Trump, proud boys, oath keepers, USA, U.S. Senate, politicsComment