The early weeks of Donald Trump’s second term have proven one thing: he does have ideas—just not good ones. Contrary to the belief that Trump is only motivated by power and self-interest, he has flooded the public discourse with an overwhelming stream of radical proposals.
From suggesting that the U.S. should take over Gaza and redevelop it as a luxury resort, to proposing the purchase of Greenland and the Panama Canal, Trump’s ideas range from the extreme to the outright bizarre. His administration is slashing government agencies, blaming diversity initiatives for military accidents, and framing immigrants and transgender people as existential threats. He has even suggested that a president should rule by decree.
Individually, many of these ideas would have been dismissed as absurd. But by pushing them all at once, Trump forces the public to engage with them. Suddenly, debates emerge over whether the U.S. could seize Gaza, whether slashing trillions from the budget is possible, or whether DEI policies could be responsible for an air crash. These conversations, no matter how irrational, legitimize the ideas by treating them as worthy of discussion.
The Autocrat’s Playbook
This tactic isn’t new—it’s a common strategy in autocratic regimes. As political theorist Hannah Arendt noted, totalitarian leaders often push preposterous ideas, not because they are realistic, but because they create chaos, confusion, and fear. People become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of outrageous claims, making it harder to focus on real threats.
For those most affected—immigrants, trans people, and marginalized communities—life under this administration is already dangerous. But for the average American, it’s not just terrifying; it’s numbing. It’s a steady stream of noise, bad policies, and misinformation that dulls critical thinking and turns public debate into an exercise in futility.
The Democrats’ Weak Response
Critics argue that Democrats have failed to effectively counter Trump’s assault on democracy. While they have objected to his actions, their arguments have been largely procedural—focused on legalities and constitutional norms rather than offering a compelling alternative vision.
Trump and his allies, including Elon Musk, have framed their power grabs as a battle against an inefficient, corrupt government. Many of their supporters embrace this narrative, believing Trump is tearing down a system that has long failed them. Simply pointing out that his actions violate the law does little to sway them.
Fighting Bad Ideas With Better Ones
Trump’s attempts to dismantle American democracy must be met with more than procedural objections. His opponents must offer a bold, inspiring alternative—one that champions democracy, human rights, and good governance.
This is no easy task. Trump’s flood of bad ideas is designed to exhaust and disorient. But resisting his influence requires more than just saying “you can’t do that.” It demands a vision of what government should be: a force for good, a protector of rights, and a system that serves the people—not a ruler who imagines himself an emperor.