Trump's Midterm Influence: Can Democracy Withstand His Divisive Tactics?

Donald Trump embodies a litany of unflattering traits: a self-absorbed narcissist with an endless stream of self-praise; a serial entrepreneur with six business bankruptcies; a convicted felon found guilty by a New York jury on multiple counts of falsifying business records; and an ex-president accused of illegally removing highly classified documents to his Palm Beach retreat after losing the 2020 election.

His record also includes allegations of sexual predation, including claims of brutal aggression against his first wife, and charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct an official proceeding—allegedly part of a broader scheme to overturn the 2020 election results in favor of Joe Biden, the clear winner.

Trump’s cognitive limitations have been documented by Tony Schwartz, his ghostwriter for The Art of the Deal. Schwartz revealed that Trump struggled to maintain focus during interviews, often unable to sustain a single line of thought for more than a few minutes. Schwartz, while acknowledging his role in shaping Trump’s public image through The Apprentice, has criticized the misleading portrayal of Trump as a rational leader.

One glaring example of Trump’s confusion is his persistent misunderstanding of tariffs—insisting they are paid by foreign senders rather than domestic receivers of goods.

Trump’s Role in the Midterm Elections

While Trump’s personal and legal controversies dominate headlines, the critical question looming over the midterm elections is whether American democracy can endure his influence—or if it will be irreparably weakened or destroyed.

Trump’s detractors argue that he is, at his core, a destroyer, intent on dismantling the foundational pillars of the American project across every domain. Yet, there is a paradox to his character: despite his bravado, Trump is, in many ways, a coward, driven by deep-seated fears that shape his actions.

His willingness to engage in aggression is selective, reserved for targets he perceives as vulnerable—such as small, defenseless vessels in the Caribbean or the president of Venezuela. However, when confronted with formidable adversaries like Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping, Trump’s resolve falters. Reports suggest he has even been swayed by Putin in critical decisions, such as potentially life-saving missile deployments to Ukraine.

Trump’s Foreign Policy Contradictions

Trump’s foreign policy approach reveals a pattern of inconsistency and appeasement. While he has taken aggressive stances against perceived weak opponents, his interactions with authoritarian leaders like Putin highlight a reluctance to challenge those in positions of real power. This contradiction underscores his broader inability to engage in systematic, organized, or rational thought—a trait that has defined his presidency and continues to shape his political influence.

As the midterms approach, the stakes could not be higher. The outcome will determine whether Trump’s divisive tactics will further erode public trust in democratic institutions or if the resilience of the American system will prevail.