Publication Date: 14.11.2025
1. Overview
- Author: Eric Gujer (NZZ)
- Source: https://www.nzz.ch/meinung/keine-spur-von-einer-trump-diktatur-der-amerikanischen-demokratie-geht-es-praechtig-ld.1911540
- Date: 14.11.2025
- Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes
2. Article Summary
What's it about? The article argues against the thesis spread by many media outlets of an impending "Trump dictatorship" and demonstrates that American democracy remains functional, as shown by recent Democratic electoral victories.
Important Facts:
- Democrats recently won elections in New York (mayor), New Jersey and Virginia (governorships)
- In Bucks County (Pennsylvania), a Democratic district attorney was elected for the first time since the 19th century
- Trump has already conducted two trips to the Middle East, Asia and Europe
- Ceasefire in Gaza Strip and peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan mediated
- USA conducted first war against Iran since the revolution 50 years ago
- Trump forced Europeans to higher defense spending for NATO
Affected Groups:
- American electorate and democratic institutions
- Media and journalists (credibility questioned)
- Europeans and NATO partners
- Ukraine (continued to receive US weapons deliveries)
Opportunities & Risks:
- Opportunity: Democratic checks and balances continue to function
- Opportunity: Midterm elections could bring further corrections
- Risk: Structural distortions in the electoral system (gerrymandering, voting impediments)
- Risk: Systematic appointment of institutions with Trump loyalists
Recommendations:
- Critical observation without alarmism
- Recognition of the resilience of democratic institutions
- Caution against historical comparisons with Hitler's Germany
3. Looking to the Future
Short-term (1 year):
- Midterm elections could bring further Democratic gains
- Trump's tariff policy could increase cost of living and create dissatisfaction
Medium-term (5 years):
- "Trumpism" will survive Trump as an established conservative movement
- Possible return of Democrats to presidency with charismatic candidates
Long-term (10-20 years):
- 250 years of democratic tradition as a stabilizing factor
- Path dependency prevents radical system breaks
4. Fact Check
- Claim "Trump was always isolationist" refuted by international activities
- Warning about NATO destruction did not occur - on the contrary: strengthening through higher defense spending
- Ukraine "betrayal" did not happen - continued weapons deliveries and sanctions against Russia
- [⚠️ Still to be verified]: Exact details about "first war against Iran in 50 years"
5. Additional Sources
- Washington Post: Coverage of local Democratic electoral victories
- Süddeutsche Zeitung: Analysis of civil society resistance
- FAZ: Critical assessment of political developments
6. Source List
Original Source: "No Sign of a Trump Dictatorship", NZZ, 14.11.2025 https://www.nzz.ch/meinung/keine-spur-von-einer-trump-diktatur-der-amerikanischen-demokratie-geht-es-praechtig-ld.1911540
Additional Sources:
- Washington Post (cited in article, specific links not available)
- Süddeutsche Zeitung (cited in article)
- FAZ (cited in article)
Facts checked: on 14.11.2025
📌 Brief Summary
American democracy proves robust despite Trump's presidency, as demonstrated by recent Democratic electoral victories. The article criticizes media hysteria and Hitler comparisons as excessive and points to functioning separation of powers. However, critical voices warn of a gradual erosion of democratic institutions following the pattern of modern autocracies.
❓ Three Key Questions
Transparency: How transparent are the structural changes in the US electoral system, and who controls the systematic appointment of key positions with loyalists?
Responsibility: Do media bear co-responsibility for democratic erosion when they squander their credibility through alarmism and inappropriate comparisons?
Freedom: Are local electoral victories sufficient proof of an intact democracy, or do they mask a creeping restriction of democratic freedoms at the national level?