The Future of Mankind Under Trump: A Lament for Democracy and Human Rights

The prospect of Donald Trump continuing his political ascent poses a multitude of questions regarding the future of humanity, particularly in light of his actions and beliefs during his previous presidency and subsequent political career.

As an insurrectionist who has openly challenged the tenets of the American Constitution, Trump's potential return to power could have far-reaching implications not only for the United States but for the world.

To understand this, it is imperative to explore various facets of Trump’s governance, from his disdain for the rule of law to his controversial foreign policy stances.

One of the most glaring issues with Trump’s political philosophy is his apparent willingness to undermine the American Constitution for personal and political gain.

According to legal scholars, Trump’s actions leading up to, and during the January 6 insurrection, starkly illustrate a dangerous precedent of constitutional abuse (Cohen, 2021).

He propagated misinformation about electoral fraud and actively encouraged his supporters to overturn the election results, actions tantamount to insurrection. This blatant disregard for democratic processes undermines not only U.S. governance but sets a global precedent for autocratic leadership.

Moreover, the abuse of the U.S. justice system has raised deep concerns about how Trump might wield power should he regain the presidency. Reports suggest that Trump has sought ways to harness the legal machinery to target his political opponents, blurring the line between justice and vengeance (Barrett, 2023).

Such weaponisation of justice undermines the foundational principle that the law should apply equally to all citizens, threatening civil liberties and social stability as a whole. In addition, the alarming reality of Trump as a convicted felon and sex offender further complicates the idea of him as a legitimate political leader.

His criminal record, which includes multiple civil and criminal offences, raises significant ethical questions regarding his suitability to lead a nation (Matzko, 2023). The implications of a convicted felon running the country not only pose a moral crisis but also evoke a sense of distrust within the populace, leading to greater societal divide.

Beyond internal strife, Trump’s foreign policy orientation is fraught with contention. His unwavering support for Zionist Israel amidst its controversial actions in Gaza has garnered international criticism. Many analysts argue that Trump’s alignment with such policies perpetuates broader human rights abuses (Blumenthal, 2021).

The civilian toll in Gaza continues to escalate, with reports indicating over 50,000 Palestinian casualties, raising questions regarding U.S. culpability in these events under Trump’s leadership (Greenwald, 2023).

This complicity in alleged genocide not only tarnishes America’s international standing but also places it on a precarious moral foundation.

Equally troubling is Trump’s apparent admiration for authoritarian regimes in Russia and North Korea. His political flirtations with leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un have led to accusations of fascism, suggesting a preference for strongman politics that starkly conflict with democratic values (Roth, 2022).

This has significant implications for global geopolitics, as nations increasingly observe the erosion of democratic norms in the U.S. and may feel emboldened to pursue similar autocratic paths.

Trump’s domestic policies, particularly his border wall initiative, further exemplify his departure from democratic values. The wall symbolizes a broader agenda that threatens the freedom of movement, a core principle of human rights. This approach not only discriminates against those seeking refuge and a better life but also undermines the global commitment to inclusivity and humanitarian support (Heller, 2021).

Such policies encourage xenophobia and racial discrimination, fostering a culture of fear and division within society.

The MAGA movement, a derivative of Trump’s ideology, poses a critical threat to the remarkable achievements of American democracy since independence. The principles of equality, justice, and unity, so eloquently captured in the fabric of the nation’s history, stand in stark opposition to the divisive and often regressive agenda propagated by Trump's followers. This rallying cry for "Make America Great Again" embodies an exclusionary narrative that seeks to erase the progress made in civil rights, gender equality, and social justice (Schmidt, 2021).

The rhetoric has effectively polarised the nation and undermined the very fabric of American democracy. In a time when women’s rights are under unprecedented assault, Trump’s rhetoric and policies mirror a concerning regression in societal attitudes towards gender.

His persistent challenges to women’s rights to make decisions about their own bodies, including appointing anti-abortion judges and promoting legislation that restricts reproductive rights, illuminate a worrying trend aimed at dismantling hard-won rights (Keller, 2023).

Women’s autonomy is pivotal not merely for individual freedom but for societal progress overall. A Trump presidency threatens to embolden efforts to roll back these essential rights, setting a dangerous precedent for future generations. While discussions of Trump’s potential return evoke strong reactions, it is important to also consider the critique of the opposing party, particularly the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Critics argue that her approach prioritises political correctness over a decisive stance on critical issues, rendering her an ineffective adversary against Trump's regressive policies.

In a landscape where assertiveness is crucial, Harris’s perceived unwillingness to differentiate herself amid the Biden administration has led to concerns about the Democratic Party's ability to counter Trump's influence (Johnson, 2023). Such criticisms raise questions about leadership effectiveness, especially in a political landscape fraught with challenges.

Furthermore, allegations regarding her marriage to a Jewish partner linked to Israel's actions in Gaza augment concerns regarding her commitment to humanitarian issues (Smith, 2023). Under her watch, the Biden administration has faced scrutiny for its muted response to Israel’s Genocide in Gaza, suggesting a complicity in the broader patterns of violence and displacement affecting countless civilians. This conflict raises critical moral questions regarding the U.S. government's role and the implications for its global standing and credibility.

In conclusion, the trajectory of mankind under a Trump presidency holds grave implications for the moral fabric of democratic societies and human rights worldwide. His insurrectionist tendencies, manipulation of the legal system, disinterest in the rule of law, and troubling foreign affiliations pose risks not only to the U.S. but to global stability. Coupled with his radical policies that threaten civil liberties and women's rights, Trump's approach represents a stark departure from democratic ideals.

The challenge remains for the opposition to galvanise and present a compelling framework to counteract this trajectory—one that addresses the criticisms levied against its candidates while advocating decisively for the principles of inclusivity and justice that are foundational to a healthy society. The stakes could not be higher, and the future of democracy may well depend on our collective response to these pressing issues.

Kunta Kinte of St *Christopher Achobang is an Environmental and Social Justice Campaigner.