Political scientists’ statement, February 2025

We, the undersigned, are political scientists, professionals with expertise in the study of government and politics. We write to express our urgent concern about threats to the basic design of American government and democracy.

In its early days, the second administration of Donald J. Trump has disregarded existing laws and regulations. It threatens to undermine the division of powers and checks and balances, hallmarks of America’s constitutional order. These actions include:

President Trump won the November 2024 election fairly. We expect him to use the authority and mandate from his victory to pursue policy goals, including governmental reform. But his victory does not grant him the right to overturn our constitutional and legal order by fiat. History tells us that actions like these by elected leaders can undermine democracies and destroy the rule of law. We urge the Administration to reverse course immediately.

Signed by more than 1,000

Published with Nuclino