Study Group: Authoritarian Drift? From Showman to Strongman

More than six months into the Trump-Vance administration, the transformation of Donald Trump from media personality and political outsider into a populist figure appears unmistakable. No longer significantly constrained by institutional checks – such as the judiciary, Congress, or the FBI – Trump is consolidating executive authority while advancing an economic agenda that is reshaping both America and the international order. But beneath this dramatic transformation lie deep contradictions – within the MAGA movement and the broader American political landscape. This quarter, our study group will explore the fractures in Trump’s coalition: from public spats among billionaire allies to grassroots resistance efforts pushing back against the administration’s agenda. Join our study group for a critical and engaging quarter – we look forward to welcoming new participants and fresh perspectives.