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One year ago, the landscape was utterly different. Prior to the national election, reflective citizens could recognize the country's deep flaws – its inequities and inequality – but they still could perceive it as the US. A democracy. A place where legal governance meant something. A state led by a dignified and ethical leader, despite his advanced age and declining health.

Nowadays, in late October 2025, countless Americans hardly identify the nation we inhabit. Persons alleged as illegal immigrants are detained and shoved into vehicles, occasionally refused legal rights. The left side of the White House – is being torn down for a grotesque event space. Donald Trump is persecuting his adversaries or perceived antagonists and requesting federal prosecutors transfer a massive sum of public funds. Armed military personnel are dispatched into American cities with deceptive justifications. The defense headquarters, renamed the War Department, has – in effect – rid itself of routine media oversight while it uses possibly reaching close to a trillion USD in public funds. Institutions, attorney offices, journalism organizations are buckling due to presidential intimidation, and wealthy elites are regarded as members of the royal family.

“The US, only a few months ahead of its quarter-millennium anniversary as the globe's top democratic nation, has fallen over the edge into authoritarianism and totalitarianism,” a noted author, stated in August. “In the end, swifter than I thought feasible, it transpired in America.”

One awakes amid recent atrocities. And it's hard to comprehend – and agonizing to acknowledge – how deeply lost we have become, and the speed at which it unfolded.

However, it is known that the leader was properly voted in. Following his highly troubling initial presidency and despite the warnings that came with the awareness of Project 2025 – following the president personally said publicly he planned to act as an autocrat just on day one – sufficient voters elected him over Kamala Harris.

Frightening as the present situation may be, it's more frightening to realize that we’re only several months into this presidential term. What will an additional three years of this decline leave us? And what if that timeframe turns into an prolonged era, because there is not anyone to restrain this ruler from opting that a third term is essential, perhaps for security concerns?

Granted, not everything is hopeless. There will be legislative votes next year that may create a new political equilibrium, should Democrats regain either chamber of Congress. There exist public servants who are striving to exert a degree of oversight, for example lawmakers currently initiating an inquiry regarding the effort to cash appropriation from the justice department.

And a presidential election in 2028 could initiate our journey toward restoration just as last year’s election put us on this regrettable path.

There are countless citizens protesting in public spaces across municipalities, like they performed last weekend at democracy demonstrations.

Robert Reich, wrote recently that “the great sleeping giant of the US is awakening”, exactly as before post-McCarthyism in the 1950s or amid anti-war demonstrations or during the seventies crisis.

On those occasions, the tilting vessel ultimately corrected itself.

Reich says he knows the signs of that awakening and notices it unfolding now. As support, he references the large-scale demonstrations, the broad, multi-faction opposition to a television host's removal and the near-unanimous defiance by media to accept military mandates they solely cover approved content.

“The dormant force always remains asleep till some venality becomes so noxious, a particular deed so offensive of societal benefit, specific cruelty so noisy, that he is compelled except to rise.”

It’s an optimistic take, and I appreciate the author's seasoned opinion. Perhaps he will prove to be right.

Meanwhile, the major inquiries remain: can America regain its footing? Is it possible to restore its position internationally and its commitment to legal principles?

Or do we need to admit that the historical project functioned for a period, and then – suddenly, utterly – failed?

My pessimistic brain suggests that the second option is correct; that all may indeed be lost. My positive feelings, though, advises me that we have to attempt, in whatever ways we can.

In my case, working in journalism analysis, that means pushing media professionals to adhere, more fully, to their mission of holding power to account. For some people, it might involve engaging with congressional campaigns, or planning demonstrations, or finding ways to safeguard voting rights.

Under twelve months back, we existed in an alternate reality. In the future? Or after another term? The truth is, we are uncertain. Our sole course is try to persevere.

What Offers Me Encouragement Today

The interaction I encounter with students with young journalists, that are simultaneously visionary and grounded, {always