It could be a long time before America sees itself as it did after World War II, when the nation stood as a shining city on a hill. A beacon for democracy and hope.
History, however, may force us to face that mirror far sooner than we would like.
At least 19 Russian drones entered Polish airspace on Tuesday night. Whether by accident or design, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned the country was closer to open conflict than at any time since World War II. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte condemned the violation and promised stronger support for Ukraine.
While the world needs America to lead, the country seems to have turned away from its democratic ideals. We have never fully lived up to those principles, but the United States has always tried. Today, those ideals lie in pieces. Donald Trump is at the helm.
In less than eight months back in the Oval Office, Trump has shown he is unfit for the job. The nation faces crisis, and even some of his staunchest supporters are beginning to doubt him.
Trump is surrounded by a chaotic mix of political opportunists, former addicts, racists, ex-TV personalities, QAnon followers, and faux-Christian figures. They lack the intelligence to ensure their own survival, let alone the country’s. A source close to Trump admitted, “We are not doing the job very well, though the president thinks we are.”
They are failing. They treat the nation’s collapse as entertainment, as if chaos were a show. Once a symbol of hope, America now appears foolish and unmoored.
Much of this chaos is deliberate. Stephen Miller tells Trump he won a Supreme Court case he actually lost. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt fields questions from reporters who seem more interested in flattery than facts.
Culture and civility are crumbling under Trump, and he seems to enjoy it. Anthony Bourdain once said he avoided dining with Trump because he only ever talked about himself. That obsession has grown only more extreme.
As Trump’s mental and physical state declines, the country suffers. He insists America was “cold, cold, cold” before his return and is now “hot, hot, hot.” His speeches are often confusing and theatrical.
Trump regularly tells his supporters that donating small amounts can help him reach heaven. This might be a fundraising pitch, or it might reflect a distorted view of reality.
Future generations should take note. Never allow someone with 34 felony convictions and ties to a notorious sex trafficker to hold the highest office.
If my grandchildren look back in thirty years, I hope they see that our arrogance reflected ignorance. We failed, and they must aim higher. Finger-pointing is useless. We all share responsibility.
The United States is no longer a global leader in many areas. Press freedom ranks 57th in the world. Our healthcare system is near the bottom among developed nations. Education lags behind other industrialized countries.
The upside is limited. We lead in conspiracy theories, climate denial, flat Earth believers, and vaccine skepticism.
As Trump loses control, he increasingly relies on intimidation, reckless actions, and attacks on constitutional rights. His administration’s recent move in Illinois allows ICE to use racial profiling. Young Americans of color face arbitrary stops, echoing moments from history we hoped to leave behind.
Trump’s actions in Chicago serve as a distraction from the Epstein scandal. Stephen Miller and border czar Tom Homan lead these efforts. They show a complete lack of empathy, judgment, or decency.
The White House now resembles a reality show. Briefings are scripted, and reporters often play along rather than challenge falsehoods.
Trump promised to release Epstein files, claiming they exposed the deepest coverup ever. Weeks later, nothing has been released. House Speaker Mike Johnson retracted his false claim that Trump was an FBI informant. Trump now calls the Epstein scandal a “Democratic hoax,” leaving even some Republicans confused.
Leavitt claims Trump neither signed a controversial letter nor made a suggestive drawing found in Epstein’s 50th birthday book. If true, why is Trump mentioned at all? His niece Mary Trump calls the claim laughable. Leavitt frames the hoax as Democrats pretending to care about victims while doing nothing. Trump refuses to meet Epstein’s victims.
Trump recently visited the Bible Museum, promoting Christian values. Yet under his watch, hatred and violence continue to spread.
This week, right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was shot on a Utah college campus during a speech about gun violence. Another mass shooting occurred at a Colorado high school. Less than three months ago, Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in targeted political violence. Trump’s rhetoric fans these flames.
The National Guard reports that Trump’s federal actions in D.C. spread fear, divide citizens from the military, and shame troops. He has called for vengeance against the “Radical Left” following Kirk’s death, potentially exploiting the tragedy for political gain.
History reminds us of 1968, when Robert F. Kennedy sought to calm the nation after Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Trump cannot summon that wisdom. He calculates only what benefits him.
How long before America can face itself honestly? Best-case scenario: decades. Worst-case scenario: maybe never.
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders paused before their game in Green Bay to honor Charlie Kirk.
