- Autocracy Watch
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- Second Issue: April 3, 2025
Second Issue: April 3, 2025
Jesse Douma
April 03, 2025
Welcome back to Autocracy Watch.
Each week, we spotlight key stories that show how democracy is eroding in the U.S., using our Risk to Democracy scale to track the threat level.
In this edition, we highlight a controversial plan to restructure the DOJ, escalating use of presidential power against perceived enemies, and a symbolic stand from 🙌Senator Cory Booker🙌, who drew from the legacy of civil rights leaders to deliver a 25-hour protest on the Senate floor. We’re also seeing small victories in the courts, but they come with an unsettling question: What happens if the Trump administration chooses to ignore them?
You’ll also find our latest guide: Your Personal Security Plan: How to Protect Yourself and Your Family. It’s a practical, step-by-step resource to help you prepare for instability—physically, digitally, financially, and emotionally.
Thank you to everyone who shared feedback on last week’s edition. Some of you noted that it was too long, so we’ve trimmed this one down by omitting seven relevant stories. Let us know if it feels more focused by voting in this week’s poll below.
Your awareness is your power. Your preparation is your protection.
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‘Gangster state’: Justice Department’s reorganization proposal slammed by Democrats
Source: GovExec
Summary: The Trump administration proposes merging the DEA and ATF, reallocating DOJ prosecutors focused on tax enforcement and public corruption, and consolidating policy offices. Democrats criticize the plan as undermining the rule of law. 
Why it Matters: Restructuring key law enforcement agencies and reallocating prosecutors could weaken oversight on corruption and reduce checks on executive power.
Risk to Democracy Rating: 🔴 High
Severity: 4 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score 18/25
With a nod to America’s civil rights legacy, Sen. Cory Booker makes a mark of his own
Source: AP News
Summary: Senator Cory Booker delivered a record-setting 25-hour speech on the Senate floor, drawing inspiration from civil rights leader John Lewis, to protest President Trump’s policies. He highlighted current national challenges and drew parallels to past civil rights struggles, warning of a “looming constitutional crisis.” Supported by members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Booker emphasized the moral imperative to resist the negative impacts of Trump’s agenda. His speech surpassed the previous record held by Strom Thurmond, marking a symbolic victory for the progressive movement. 
Why it Matters: Booker’s extended speech underscores the use of traditional legislative tools to oppose policies perceived as threats to democratic institutions and civil rights. 
Risk to Democracy Rating: 🟠 Moderate
Severity: 2 | Scope: 3 | Reversibility: 2 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 2 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 12/25
Trump uses power against foes unlike any other modern US president
Source: Reuters
Summary: President Trump has aggressively targeted perceived adversaries, including student protesters, law firms, and judges, using executive orders, funding cuts, and public threats. These actions have prompted legal challenges and raised concerns about authoritarian tactics. 
Why it Matters: Such measures may erode democratic institutions and norms by undermining judicial independence and suppressing dissent.
Risk to Democracy Rating: 🔴 High
Severity: 5 | Scope: 5 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 5 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 21/25
Doug Emhoff’s law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher reaches deal with Trump 
Source: Reuters
Summary: Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where Doug Emhoff, husband of former Vice President Kamala Harris, is a partner, agreed to provide $100 million in pro bono legal services and cease diversity-based hiring practices to prevent a potential executive order from President Trump that could have jeopardized the firm’s operations. This decision reflects a broader trend of law firms facing pressure from the administration. 
Why it Matters: The agreement highlights the administration’s influence over private legal practices, potentially undermining law firms’ autonomy and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Risk to Democracy Rating: 🟠 Moderate
Severity: 4 | Scope: 3 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 17/25
This article provides a step-by-step guide to creating a personal security plan during times of political instability. Learn how to protect your rights, secure essential documents, strengthen digital privacy, safeguard your finances, and support your emotional well-being so you and your family can stay safe and prepared. read now
US judge temporarily blocks Trump from firing Voice of America staff
Source: Reuters
Summary: A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to halt its plan to terminate 1,300 Voice of America (VOA) employees, asserting that such actions require congressional approval. The administration had placed these employees on leave earlier this month, aiming to shut down VOA and related radio programs funded by Congress. The court’s decision underscores the necessity of legislative consent for such terminations. 
Why it Matters: This ruling highlights the importance of maintaining the independence of government-funded media and the need for executive actions to adhere to legislative oversight. 
Risk to Democracy Rating: 🔴 High
Severity: 4 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 4 | Final Score: 19/25 
Source: AP News
Summary: The U.S. Naval Academy has removed nearly 400 books from its library following directives from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s office to eliminate materials promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This action aligns with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to purge DEI content from federal agencies. The removal process was expedited ahead of Hegseth’s scheduled visit to the academy. Additionally, some photos of distinguished female Jewish graduates were mistakenly taken down but were later restored. 
Why it Matters: The removal of DEI-focused materials from educational institutions may undermine efforts to promote inclusivity and awareness within the military, potentially affecting morale and cohesion.
Risk to Democracy Rating: 🟠 Moderate
Severity: 3 | Scope: 3 | Reversibility: 2 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 3 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 14/25 
Trump increasingly asks the Supreme Court to overrule judges blocking key parts of his agenda
Source: AP News
Summary: President Trump is relying on the Supreme Court to bypass lower court rulings that block key policies, including immigration enforcement and federal funding freezes, raising concerns about judicial independence.
Why it Matters: Frequent appeals to overturn lower courts risk concentrating unchecked power in the executive branch and undermining judicial authority.
Risk to Democracy Rating: 🔴 High
Severity: 4 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 18/25
The Associated Press, banned from White House press pool, renews request to court for reinstatement
Source: AP News
Summary: The Associated Press (AP) seeks court intervention after the Trump administration banned it from the White House press pool for refusing to adopt the term “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico.” 
Why it Matters: This action raises concerns about press freedom and potential governmental overreach into editorial decisions of independent news organizations.
Risk to Democracy Rating: 🟠 Moderate
Severity: 4 | Scope: 3 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 17/25
Trump signs order seeking to overhaul US elections, including requiring proof of citizenship
Source: AP News
Summary: President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating proof of citizenship for voter registration and requiring all ballots to be received by Election Day to be counted. The order also sets new standards for voting equipment and prohibits non-citizen donations in certain elections. Critics argue that these measures could disenfranchise eligible voters and overstep presidential authority, as the Constitution grants states the power to regulate elections.  
Why it Matters: This executive order could significantly alter election procedures, potentially impacting voter accessibility and state control over elections.
Risk to Democracy Rating: 🔴 High
Severity: 4 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 18/25
Democrats sue Trump administration over election executive order 
Source: Reuters
Summary: The Democratic Party has filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s executive order that mandates proof of citizenship for voters, restricts mail-in ballots, and threatens to withhold federal funding from non-compliant states. Democrats argue that these measures exceed presidential authority and risk disenfranchising eligible voters.
Why it Matters: Implementing such measures could suppress voter participation and undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
Risk to Democracy Rating: 🔴 High
Severity: 4 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 18/25
Law firms fear Trump orders could affect security clearances of lawyers who are military reservists
Source: AP News
Summary: Law firms are raising alarms over Trump administration orders that could revoke or deny security clearances for attorneys serving in military reserves, potentially pressuring firms to avoid hiring reservists altogether.
Why it Matters: Targeting reservist lawyers risks politicizing security clearances and weakening the equal employment rights of military-affiliated legal professionals.
Risk to Democracy Rating: 🟠 Moderate
Severity: 4 | Scope: 3 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 4 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 2 | Final Score: 16/25
Trump roars down multiple paths of retribution as he vowed. Some targets yield while others fight
Source: AP News
Summary: President Trump is actively pursuing retribution against perceived adversaries, including law firms and corporations. Some entities have conceded to his demands, while others are resisting, highlighting a divisive political climate. 
Why it Matters: Utilizing presidential power for personal vendettas undermines democratic norms and threatens the impartiality of institutions.
Risk to Democracy Rating: 🔴 High
Severity: 4 | Scope: 4 | Reversibility: 3 | Alignment with Authoritarian Patterns: 5 | Public Resistance & Institutional Response: 3 | Final Score: 19/25
That’s a wrap for this week.
Thank you for reading, reflecting, and staying engaged. Democracy doesn’t defend itself, and your awareness matters. If this edition gave you clarity or helped you take a step forward, consider forwarding it to someone who needs it too.
Onward,
The Autocracy Watch Team