The Fragile State of American Democracy: E.J. Dionne on ICE, Fear Politics, and Intimidation
JUDJ-Prepared Summary from July 9, 2025 | Code Red: How Progressives and Moderates Can Unite to Save the Country. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the speaker.
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, Washington Post columnist and Brookings Institution senior fellow E.J. Dionne offered a sobering assessment of the threats facing American democracy. Drawing from decades of experience as a political analyst and public intellectual, Dionne highlighted a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism, rising political intimidation, and the erosion of institutional checks and balances. His conversation explored how fear, executive overreach, and blind party loyalty are fueling a democratic backslide—and why civic engagement is more critical than ever.
Republican Capitulation and Trump’s Dominance
Dionne opened with a stark critique of the Republican Party’s role in enabling harmful legislation. Despite widespread opposition across the political spectrum, Republicans recently pushed through a massive bill with deep cuts to Medicaid and food assistance—programs that many of their own constituents rely on. Dionne described the party’s actions as a “swift capitulation,” not to policy, but to former President Donald Trump.
“The content didn’t matter,” Dionne said. “If Trump wanted it, they voted for it.” Longtime deficit hawks and supposed moderates reversed their positions overnight, revealing a GOP dominated not by ideology, but by fear of Trump and his base. Dionne warned that this pattern represents a deep structural shift in how political decisions are made, one untethered from public interest or policy merit.
The Rise of a National Police Force
Among the most alarming aspects of the bill, Dionne said, is the unprecedented expansion of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). With more than $45 billion in new funding for detention and operations, ICE is poised to become the largest federal law enforcement agency in the country—larger, Dionne noted, than the military forces of some U.S. allies.
This, he argued, sets the stage for the emergence of a de facto national police force loyal to a single political agenda. “We are creating a system of law enforcement that can be weaponized,” he warned. “And we’re already seeing legally documented immigrants and citizens targeted in roundups.” The implications for civil liberties, particularly in immigrant communities, are chilling.
The Quiet Collapse of Constitutional Restraints
Beyond the specifics of any single bill, Dionne expressed deep concern over a broader trend: the systematic dismantling of checks on presidential power. From Trump’s unilateral reversal of legislation—such as overriding the congressional TikTok ban—to the politically motivated purges of federal agencies like USAID and Voice of America, Dionne painted a picture of democratic institutions being hollowed out from within.
“This is a slow deterioration of the rule of law,” he said. “Congress isn’t acting, and the Supreme Court is enabling.” He cited a recent analysis showing that the high court has ruled in favor of the executive branch in the vast majority of relevant cases—a troubling sign for the balance of powers.
Fear as a Political Weapon
Dionne didn’t mince words about what motivates many lawmakers to go along: fear. He referenced comments by Senator Lisa Murkowski expressing apprehension about opposing Trump—not just politically, but personally. Dionne noted the spike in violent threats against public officials, observing that “the fear is real, and it’s not just paranoia.” With political violence increasingly normalized, elected officials are facing pressure not just from voters, but from a culture of intimidation.
A Call to Civic Engagement
Despite his dire warnings, Dionne ended with a message of hope. He described himself as a “felicopath”—someone who defaults to optimism—and urged viewers not to give up. “You only get the democracy you fight for,” he said. “And we can’t afford to accept defeat.”
At a time when fear-driven governance is threatening the foundations of democratic life, Dionne’s words are both a warning and a rallying cry: the only way to preserve democracy is to stay engaged, vigilant, and unafraid.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.