The Fragile Framework: Trump, Orban, and the Assault on Our Constitutional Republic

By: Cassandra Williamson

Veteran: USN, USMC, USNA '84

The principles of our constitutional republic, designed to safeguard against tyranny and ensure the rule of law, are under siege. Figures like Donald Trump and Viktor Orban, despite geographical distance, share a disconcerting playbook that threatens the very foundations of our governance. While debates about labeling their methods persist, the pattern is undeniable: a calculated effort to dismantle checks and balances, undermine institutions, and erode the protections afforded to all citizens. Let's examine these parallels and, critically, analyze the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.

Dismantling the Republican Framework:

Both Trump and Orban have weaponized divisive rhetoric, appealing to a narrow definition of national identity and casting perceived opponents as existential threats. This isn't mere political maneuvering; it's a strategic attack on the core tenets of our constitutional republic.

Erosion of Institutional Integrity: They have relentlessly attacked the judiciary, electoral processes, and the media, challenging the separation of powers and the rule of law. Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election and Orban's control over Hungarian media exemplify this assault on institutional integrity.
Subversion of Legal Norms: Both have shown a willingness to disregard established legal norms and procedures, prioritizing personal or political expediency over adherence to the law. This undermines the very foundation of a constitutional republic, where laws are meant to apply equally to all.
Weaponization of Misinformation: The deliberate spread of falsehoods and conspiracy theories is a potent tool for undermining public trust in reliable sources and creating an environment where objective truth is obscured. This directly contradicts the principles of informed citizenry that are essential to a functional republic.
Executive Overreach: Both leaders have demonstrated a tendency to expand executive power, threatening the delicate balance enshrined in our constitutional framework. This consolidation of power risks tipping the scales toward authoritarianism.
Inciteful Rhetoric and Threats to Public Order: The rhetoric used by both leaders has been accused of inciting violence, and creating a climate of fear and hostility, that threatens the peaceable enjoyment of the rights of the citizenry.

The Human Cost: Targeting Protected Minorities

The impact of these policies extends beyond abstract legal principles, inflicting real harm on vulnerable populations, particularly transgender and LGB people.

Orban's Systemic Discrimination: In Hungary, Orban's government has enacted laws that systematically discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals, denying them fundamental rights and fostering a climate of intolerance. This violates the core principle of equal protection under the law.
Trump's Rollback of Protections: The Trump administration's policies, such as the transgender military ban and the rollback of healthcare protections, directly targeted transgender individuals, undermining their rights and dignity. This contradicts the fundamental idea that all citizens are entitled to equal protection under the law.
Scapegoating and Marginalization: Both leaders have employed scapegoating tactics, using minorities as political tools to rally their base and consolidate power. This practice violates the idea of equal protection and representation within a constitutional republic.
Violation of Fundamental Rights: The actions of both leaders have been condemned by human rights organizations for violating international human rights standards, the laws of a constitutional republic should protect that.

Preserving the Republican Framework:

We must resist the normalization of these authoritarian tendencies. The erosion of our constitutional republic is a gradual process, and complacency can have devastating consequences. The parallels between Trump and Orban serve as a stark warning about the fragility of our institutions and the urgent need to defend them.

It's imperative to uphold the rule of law, protect the separation of powers, and safeguard the rights of all citizens. We must remain vigilant, defend our institutions, and stand in solidarity with those targeted by these dangerous ideologies. The fight for our constitutional republic is a fight for justice and equality, and it demands our unwavering commitment.