The Authoritarian Shift: How Presidential Retaliation Threatens Democracy at Home and Abroad

The Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter #334

In the landscape of American democracy, the presidency has always carried immense power—but that power is not without limits.

It was designed to be balanced by Congress and the courts…and tempered by norms of fairness…restraint…and impartiality.

I am a believer of constantly reorienting people to our North Star. It’s critical. That’s what this issue of Jack Hopkins Now is…a re-orientation to our North Star.

Increasingly, however…that foundational balance is under threat.

Today, one of the most troubling signs of democratic erosion is the deliberate use of presidential authority to punish political opponents.

What once might have been dismissed as rhetorical bluster has grown into institutionalized retaliation.

From weaponizing federal agencies to launching public investigations of adversaries… the executive branch appears less like a guardian of the republic and more like a tool for personal and political vendettas.

And this is not a problem that stays within U.S. borders. The world watches. And when the President of the United States—long considered the leader of the free world—uses their power to punish enemies and reward loyalty above the law, the ripple effects extend far beyond Washington.

This issue of Jack Hopkins Now explores the nature…consequences…and global implications of this troubling trend, tracing how a not-so-slow shift toward authoritarianism risks undermining democracy not only at home—but around the world.

The Domestic Implications of Presidential Retaliation

1. Erosion of Democratic Norms

At the heart of any democracy lies a basic principle: that political disagreement should never be met with criminal retribution.

When a sitting president publicly demands investigations into former officials… political rivals…or even celebrities and journalists—often with little or no basis in fact—what’s being eroded isn’t just protocol.

It’s public confidence in the democratic process itself.

The growing normalization of such behavior sends a message: those in power can bend institutions to serve personal agendas. Political opponents are not just debated—they’re hunted. Critics are not just countered—they’re targeted.

Over time, this undermines what scholars call the “soft guardrails” of democracy: the unwritten but essential rules that allow a diverse nation to coexist peacefully.

Once those guardrails are gone, elections become zero-sum battles…and the loser is not a loyal opposition—but an enemy of the state.

2. Weaponization of Federal Agencies

More alarming than rhetoric is the apparent willingness of the executive branch to leverage federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to pursue political ends.

Consider the Department of Justice.

In the past, the DOJ operated at arm’s length from the White House. Attorneys General were expected to act as lawyers for the people, not the president’s personal legal team.

But when an administration starts pressuring prosecutors to open—or close—cases based on political utility…that line blurs dangerously.

Allow me to put it bluntly: These fuckers are corrupt…and demonstrating that they are willing to shred the United States Constitution.

The FBI, IRS, and DHS have also been drawn into politically charged actions.

The selective targeting of critics…such as calls to investigate former presidents…vice presidents, or high-profile adversaries, undermines the legitimacy of federal enforcement.

In such an environment, law becomes a tool for retaliation…not justice. Agencies that should be defending the Constitution become enforcers of the president’s will.

3. Undermining the Rule of Law

The most insidious consequence of political retaliation is its attack on the very idea of equal justice under law.

The rule of law depends on neutrality—the idea that the law applies equally, regardless of wealth…power…or political affiliation.

But when the president uses the justice system selectively, it creates a two-tiered system: one for allies, another for enemies.

Consider the contrast: friends of the president receive pardons…favorable rulings…or complete immunity from investigation. This is Putin kind of stuff.

Meanwhile…critics are investigated…subpoenaed…and sometimes prosecuted…often in tandem with inflammatory media campaigns designed to discredit them publicly. This is Putin, Hitler and other evil men kind of shit.

This isn’t just unfair—it’s destabilizing, and…I believe…that’s the whole point.

When justice becomes a political weapon, faith in the courts collapses. And without faith in the system…citizens begin to seek justice outside of it—through protest… unrest…or worse. That’s what history tells us.

International Repercussions: How Authoritarianism Spreads

1. Diminished Global Leadership

For generations, the United States has been viewed—rightly or wrongly—as the standard-bearer of democracy. American presidents have long lectured foreign dictators on transparency…rule of law…and the value of free elections.

Not the convicted felon we currently have in the White House. He stomps all over those principles and concepts every single day.

Those messages ring hollow when the president acts more like a strongman than a statesman.

When the U.S. government begins using its legal institutions to suppress dissent or intimidate political rivals…it loses the moral authority to speak on democratic values.

That void is quickly filled by autocratic regimes eager to justify their own repressions.

The damage to America’s soft power—its influence through values, diplomacy, and culture—cannot be overstated.

And in an age where global cooperation is essential (from climate change to international security), a loss of credibility has real consequences.

2. Destabilization of Alliances

Foreign allies, particularly those in NATO and the European Union…rely on the U.S. for stability…predictability…and shared democratic principles.

But if America becomes volatile—if foreign policy is dictated by political grudges instead of strategic interests—those alliances begin to fray.

Partners no longer know whether commitments will be honored…treaties will be upheld…or whether foreign policy will shift with the president’s moods or enemies list.

This instability can lead to hesitancy in intelligence-sharing…defensive posturing…and the weakening of collective security agreements.

When the U.S. becomes internally consumed with vendettas…its ability to lead a united global front deteriorates.

3. Encouragement of Authoritarian Imitation

Perhaps the most dangerous consequence of all is the model it sets for other nations.

Autocrats in countries like Hungary…Turkey…Venezuela…or Russia often point to the U.S. when justifying their own crackdowns. “See?” they say. “Even the Americans do it.”

When the U.S. president uses the legal system to go after journalists…rivals…or critics, it gives cover to dictators worldwide.

And when those actions go unchallenged—or are even celebrated by partisans—it sends a clear message:

Democracy is no longer a requirement for legitimacy. Power is.

This can spark a cascade effect, where emerging democracies backslide into authoritarianism…citing the U.S. as proof that such tactics are the new global norm.

Case Studies and Warning Signs

This is not speculation—it’s already happening.

• Investigations into political opponents have been launched with little pretext beyond public disagreement.

• Calls to arrest former leaders and revoke security clearances from critics have been issued by officials at the highest levels.

• Whistleblowers and career civil servants have been demoted or fired for doing their jobs independently.

• Loyalists have been installed in key agencies, while dissenters are pushed out.

These are not isolated incidents. They represent a systematic effort to consolidate power, remove constraints, and punish opposition.

This is how democracies die—not with a coup…but with a steady drumbeat of retaliation…normalization…and public indifference.

What Can Be Done?

1. Restore Institutional Independence

Congress must reassert its oversight powers, ensuring that federal agencies cannot be hijacked by executive whim.

Clear legislation reaffirming the independence of the DOJ and law enforcement from political influence is critical.

Confident that’s going to happen? Of course not. That’s the very shitty situation we find ourselves in.

2. Strengthen Whistleblower Protections

The integrity of the government depends on the ability of insiders to speak out without fear of retribution. Current laws must be expanded and enforced, and those who retaliate against whistleblowers must face consequences.

3. Rebuild Civic Trust

Journalists…educators…and public institutions have a role to play in reminding Americans what democracy actually means. The rule of law, peaceful transitions of power, and the right to dissent are not partisan issues—they are American ones.

4. Demand Accountability—From Both Sides

No one is above the law…or at least that’s what we’ve long been told.

Whether it's the president…a senator…or a private citizen…political identity cannot determine who faces scrutiny. Upholding this principle may be uncomfortable—but it is essential.

Conclusion: A Republic If We Can Keep It

As Benjamin Franklin once said when asked what kind of government had been created after the Constitutional Convention:

“A republic—if you can keep it.”

That responsibility now falls on all of us. We must recognize that democracy is not self-sustaining. It requires vigilance…sacrifice…and, above all…courage.

Using presidential power to punish political enemies is not just unethical—it is a flashing red light on the dashboard of the American experiment.

And if we ignore it…the cost won’t just be a few broken norms.
It will be the very system that protects our freedoms.

If you would like an average of an article like this…every day of the week…please consider becoming a contributing subscriber. I’ll make it worthwhile.

See you again soon!

Warmly,

Jack