The United States Faces a Reckoning Era Under Trump 2.0
The author argues that the United States is currently in a reckoning era triggered by Trump’s neofascist leadership, with the phase known as Trump 2.0 having begun around late 2024.
The article draws historical parallels to past moments when exposure to brutal events and investigative journalism drove major reforms, including the Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act, and Progressive Era changes.
Trump is depicted as a sociopath and malignant narcissist, characterized as a chronic liar who undermines government institutions and uses provocative actions and social media posts to sow discord.
There is rising outrage and mobilization, exemplified by record protest participation on No Kings Day (October 18) and widespread electoral gains for Democrats in special elections and local races even in traditionally red areas.
The piece states that the Maga movement is coming apart and Trump’s poll numbers are declining.
It also argues that a broad swath of leaders—including CEOs, billionaires, Wall Street bankers, media moguls, and Republican politicians—have either silenced themselves or sought Trump’s favor, revealing the failure of the leadership class.
Root causes of this crisis are traced back about 40 years to policies initiated under Reagan, such as deregulation, privatization, free trade, Wall Street excess, union-busting, monopolization, rising inequality, stagnant wages, and wealth concentration.
Finally, the article warns that 2026 could be even worse as Trump and his allies try to prolong their hold on power, but it suggests that this awakening may ultimately push America toward social justice, democracy, and widespread prosperity.
