In just under a week, it will have been a month since the government went into lockdown due to disagreements between Democrats and Republicans regarding an important funding bill. The Democrats have expressed a willingness to discuss the bill’s clauses to end the shutdown, while the Republicans have repeatedly shown a lack of interest, insisting they will only negotiate on their own terms.
Several individuals leaning towards the Democratic side have taken note of the extreme behaviour exhibited by President Donald Trump and his Republican allies, warning of potential consequences if such conduct is tolerated. Time and again, and rightly so, they have pointed out that Trump’s characteristics increasingly resemble those of a dictator. He refuses to negotiate on his “Big Beautiful Bill”, threatens Democrats with a shutdown, publicly attacks them, fires federal workers in Blue states, and even posts AI videos of him defecating on protesters at ‘No Kings’ marches. What more proof is needed to understand that Donald Trump aspires to be a dictator but would not admit it?
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, in a recent discussion with CNN, is highlighting this aspect and more about Donald Trump. “One of the reasons President Trump is refusing to negotiate is that he enjoys the government being closed, as he believes he can exercise King-like powers,” he said, noting that Trump could open up the parts of the government he desires. Additionally, he pointed out that Trump could even “pay the employees who are loyal to him.” Murphy noted that Trump is “trying to transition” the American government from a “democracy” to something very close to a ‘totalitarian state.’
Murphy’s comments were not taken lightly by those who are aware of their current circumstances. On X (formerly Twitter), where clips of the interview were shared, people had a lot to say. One individual, while agreeing with Murphy’s comments, wrote:
“Murphy’s right. Trump doesn’t want a deal; he wants control. The shutdown isn’t chaos it’s leverage. He’s testing how much dictatorship Americans will tolerate before they notice.”
Another person derived a similar conclusion and wrote:
“Exactly. Trump isn’t negotiating, he’s auditioning for dictator 101. Government shutdowns, selective pay, and playing favorites with the rich: welcome to GOP-style ‘authoritarian chic.’ Democracy isn’t a suggestion, Mr. Trump.”
Several others echoed similar sentiments as they joined in their criticism of Donald Trump. Will Trump be able to bypass his record of a 35-day government shutdown? Well, my guess is as good as yours.
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