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In late October 2024, the landscape was utterly distinct. Before the national election, reflective residents could recognize the nation's serious imperfections – its inequities and inequality – however they still could identify it as the United States. A democracy. A place where constitutional order carried weight. A state guided by a respectable and upright public servant, despite his advanced age and growing weakness.

These days, as October 2025 ends, many of us scarcely know the country we live in. People believed to be illegal immigrants are collected and shoved into vehicles, sometimes denied due process. The East Wing of the presidential residence – is undergoing demolition to build a lavish dance hall. The leader is targeting his political rivals or perceived antagonists and insisting federal prosecutors surrender an enormous amount of public funds. Uniformed troops are dispatched across metropolitan centers under fabricated reasons. The military command, rebranded the Defense Ministry, has – in effect – freed itself of regular press examination while it uses what could amount to nearly $1tn in public funds. Institutions, law firms, media outlets are submitting due to presidential intimidation, and wealthy elites are regarded as nobility.

“The US, just months before its 250-year mark as the planet's foremost free society, has crossed the limit into authoritarianism and totalitarianism,” a noted author, stated in August. “Finally, faster than I imagined possible, it transpired in this country.”

One awakes with fresh terrors. It is difficult to grasp – and distressing to accept – just how far gone our nation is, and how quickly it unfolded.

Nevertheless, it is known that Trump was properly voted in. Following his highly troubling initial presidency and even after the cautions associated with the knowledge of the conservative plan – even after Trump himself said publicly he planned to rule as a tyrant solely at the start – a majority of citizens selected him instead of Kamala Harris.

Frightening as the current reality is, it's more daunting to recognize that we have only been several months into this presidential term. What will an additional three years of this downfall position us? And if that timeframe transforms into a more extended duration, as there is nobody to limit this leader from deciding that a third term is required, perhaps for national security reasons?

Admittedly, there is still hope. We will have midterm elections next year that could create a new governmental control, in case Democrats regain the Senate or House of Congress. There are government representatives who are striving to impose certain responsibility, like representatives currently launching an investigation into the attempted cash appropriation by federal prosecutors.

And a leadership election in the next cycle could begin us down the road to recovery precisely as the prior selection put us on this disappointing trajectory.

We see millions of Americans marching in public spaces across municipalities, like they performed last weekend at democracy demonstrations.

Robert Reich, stated lately that “the slumbering force of the nation is rising”, exactly as before post-McCarthyism in the 1950s or throughout the Vietnam war protests or in the seventies crisis.

In those instances, the unstable nation finally returned to balance.

The author states he knows the signs of that revival and observes it occurring now. As evidence, he cites the large-scale demonstrations, the extensive, multi-faction opposition regarding a television host's removal and the largely united rejection by reporters to sign government requirements they only publish authorized information.

“The dormant force consistently stays inactive till specific greed grows too toxic, a particular deed so offensive toward public welfare, specific cruelty so noisy, that it is forced other than to stir.”

It's a hopeful perspective, and I appreciate Reich’s experienced view. Maybe he’ll prove to be right.

Meanwhile, the crucial issues endure: is the US able to return to normalcy? Can it reclaim its position globally and its adherence to the rule of law?

Or do we need to admit that the historical project succeeded temporarily, and then – abruptly, completely – collapsed?

My cynical mind tells me that the final scenario is accurate; that all may indeed be lost. My positive feelings, though, convinces me that we have to attempt, by any means available.

For me, working in journalism analysis, that’s about urging journalists to live up, more thoroughly, to their mission of scrutinizing authority. For some people, it might involve participating in congressional campaigns, or planning demonstrations, or developing approaches to safeguard electoral access.

Under twelve months back, we existed in a separate situation. A year from now? Or in several years? The truth is, we are uncertain. Our sole course is try to not give up.

What Provides Me Hope Now

The contact I experience with students with aspiring reporters, that are simultaneously visionary and grounded, {always