Trump’s claim that the 2024 election was a “mandate” just isn’t so. The election showed that we’re divided & diverse
Americans acknowledge that President Trump and the Republicans legitimately earned the authority to lead the national government—an authority Trump would not acknowledge for his predecessor through misleading claims and divisive rhetoric that was followed by civil unrest.
However, his victory last November did not come with a decisive mandate for sweeping policy changes. His margin of victory was narrow, with less than half of voters supporting him, and his lead over Vice President Harris was less than 1.5 percentage points.
Although Republicans now control the Executive branch, Senate, and House, this majority does not automatically translate into a mandate for broad policy shifts. Claiming a mandate for an ambiguous and expansive agenda misrepresents the election results and undermines democratic discourse.
Disregarding other political groups by insisting on a mandate undermines democratic principles. Relying heavily on Executive Orders and bypassing standard democratic processes sets a dangerous precedent.
Political diversity and debate are essential for a healthy democracy, but when disagreements devolve into bullying tactics, open dialogue is suppressed, fostering fear and division. This decline in civil discourse damages the political climate and emboldens international adversaries, like Russia and China, who exploit U.S. divisions through disinformation campaigns to weaken our global standing.
In a healthy democracy, citizens must feel free to express their political beliefs without fear of ridicule or retaliation. Silencing dissent through intimidation creates a chilling effect on free speech, fuels polarization, and solidifies an “Us vs. Them” mentality. This division hampers constructive dialogue and weakens democracy by alienating citizens and undermining trust in institutions.
Foreign adversaries capitalize on these internal divisions. Russia, for instance, has historically used social media to deepen U.S. political tensions, eroding public trust in democratic systems. Similarly, China benefits strategically when U.S. factions are at odds, weakening the nation’s global leadership and diverting attention from international challenges such as economic competition and human rights issues.
In an era of heightened global tensions, compromise and bipartisanship in America are more crucial than ever. As Russia and China closely observe our political landscape, our unity—or lack thereof—sends powerful signals about our strength and stability. By bridging divides and working together, we can address the pressing issues facing our nation, state, and local communities while reaffirming our position as a resilient and influential leader on the world stage.
The world is watching, and America’s ability to collaborate across party lines will determine whether we stand divided or united in the face of global challenges. At this pivotal moment, we must prioritize dialogue over division, consensus over conflict, and unity over partisanship to safeguard our democracy and global standing.
Laura Armstrong of Rapid City is a speech language pathologist who owns a small private clinic. She served two consecutive terms on the Rapid City Common Council (2017-2023) twice as council president, and remains dedicated to the Rapid City community.
Photo: public domain, wikimedia commons
