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One year ago, the environment was entirely different. Before the US presidential election, reflective Americans could acknowledge the country's serious imperfections – its injustices and inequality – but they still could see it as the US. A democracy. A country where the rule of law meant something. A country led by a honorable and ethical official, notwithstanding his advanced age and growing weakness.

Currently, in late October 2025, numerous citizens hardly identify the land we live in. Individuals alleged as unauthorized foreigners are collected and pushed into vans, at times refused legal rights. The East Wing of the “people’s house” – is being torn down to build a lavish event space. Donald Trump is harassing his opponents or perceived antagonists and demanding federal prosecutors surrender a massive sum of citizen dollars. Armed military personnel are dispatched to US urban areas with deceptive justifications. The Pentagon, rebranded the War Department, has – in effect – liberated itself of regular press examination during its expenditure of potentially totaling nearly $1tn of taxpayer money. Colleges, law firms, media outlets are submitting due to presidential intimidation, and rich magnates are treated like nobility.

“The United States, only a few months ahead of its 250^th birthday as the globe's top democratic nation, has fallen over the edge toward dictatorship and fascism,” Garrett Graff, wrote in August. “Ultimately, more quickly than I imagined possible, it transpired in this country.”

Every morning starts to new horrors. And it is challenging to understand – and painful to realize – just how far gone our nation is, and how quickly it occurred.

Nevertheless, we know that the president was legitimately chosen. Despite his highly troubling first term and despite the alerts linked to the awareness of the conservative plan – even after Trump himself stated openly he would rule as a tyrant just on day one – sufficient voters selected him over Kamala Harris.

While alarming as today's circumstances are, it's more frightening to recognize that we have only been three-quarters of a year under this leadership. What will an additional three years of this downfall leave us? And if that period transforms into a more extended duration, since there is no one to restrain this president from determining that additional tenure is required, perhaps for defense purposes?

Granted, all is not lost. There are congressional elections next year that could establish an alternate balance of power, in case Democrats retake either chamber of parliament. There exist government representatives who are striving to apply some accountability, for example lawmakers who are launching an investigation into the attempted fund seizure from legal authorities.

And a national vote three years from now could initiate our journey toward restoration exactly as last year’s election put us on this regrettable path.

There are numerous residents marching in the streets of their cities, like they performed recently in the No Kings rallies.

Robert Reich, wrote recently that “the great sleeping giant of the US is rising”, just as it did following the Red Scare during the fifties or throughout anti-war demonstrations or during the Nixon controversy.

During those times, the tilting vessel eventually was righted.

He claims he understands the signs of that resurgence and sees it happening currently. For proof, he points to the widespread marches, the extensive, multi-faction opposition regarding a broadcaster's firing and the near-unanimous refusal by journalists to agree to the defense department’s demands they only publish authorized information.

“The sleeping giant consistently stays dormant before specific greed becomes so noxious, a particular deed so contemptuous toward public welfare, some brutality so disruptive, that the giant has no choice other than to stir.”

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

At the same time, the major inquiries persist: can America regain its footing? Can it reclaim its standing internationally and its adherence to the rule of law?

Or do we need to admit that the historical project functioned for a period, and then – abruptly, completely – collapsed?

My cynical mind tells me that the second option is correct; that everything might be gone. My positive feelings, nevertheless, convinces me that we have to attempt, in whatever ways possible.

Personally, working in journalism analysis, that’s about encouraging reporters to commit, more thoroughly, to their duty of scrutinizing authority. For some people, it could mean participating in congressional campaigns, or coordinating protests, or developing approaches to defend ballot privileges.

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

What Offers Me Hope Now

The interaction I have during teaching with young journalists, who are equally hopeful and grounded, {always