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One year ago, the situation was utterly distinct. Before the American presidential vote, considerate Americans could acknowledge the country's deep flaws – its unfairness and imbalance – however they continued to see it as the US. A democratic nation. A land where legal governance held significance. A country led by a honorable and ethical official, notwithstanding his advanced age and growing weakness.

These days, in late October 2025, many of us hardly identify the nation we reside in. People suspected of being unauthorized foreigners are collected and shoved into transport, occasionally blocked from fair treatment. The East Wing of the presidential residence – is undergoing demolition for a grotesque ballroom. The president is targeting his political rivals or alleged foes and requesting legal authorities transfer a massive sum of taxpayer money. Armed military personnel are deployed into American cities under fabricated reasons. The defense headquarters, renamed the War Department, has practically rid itself of regular press examination during its expenditure of what could amount to nearly $1tn from citizen taxes. Universities, attorney offices, news companies are yielding under the president’s threats, and wealthy elites are treated like aristocracy.

“The United States, shortly prior to its 250^th birthday as the globe's top democratic nation, has crossed the brink toward dictatorship and fascism,” a noted author, wrote in August. “Ultimately, faster than I believed likely, it transpired in this country.”

One awakes to new horrors. And it is hard to comprehend – and agonizing to acknowledge – how deeply lost we are, and the speed at which it has happened.

However, we understand that Trump was legitimately chosen. Despite his profoundly alarming previous administration and even after the warnings associated with the knowledge of the rightwing blueprint – even after the leader directly declared plainly he would rule as a tyrant just on day one – enough Americans chose him over Kamala Harris.

Frightening as the current reality is, it's more frightening to realize that we are just nine months under this leadership. What will another 36 months of this deterioration find us? And if that period transforms into a more extended duration, because there is no one to restrain this leader from deciding that additional tenure is required, possibly for security concerns?

Certainly, there is still hope. We will have congressional elections next year which might create a new political equilibrium, should Democrats recapture either chamber of the legislature. There are elected officials who are striving to exert a degree of oversight, for example representatives who are initiating an inquiry regarding the effort to cash appropriation by federal prosecutors.

And a presidential election in 2028 could start our journey toward restoration precisely as last year’s election set us on this disappointing trajectory.

We see numerous residents marching in urban areas across municipalities, as they did in the past days during anti-authority protests.

A former official, stated lately that “the great sleeping giant of the nation is stirring”, just as it did following the Red Scare during the fifties or during the sixties activism or during the Nixon controversy.

During those times, the unstable nation ultimately corrected itself.

The author states he understands the signs of that awakening and notices it unfolding now. As evidence, he references the widespread marches, the broad, cross-party resistance regarding a broadcaster's firing and the largely united defiance by media to sign military mandates they solely cover approved content.

“The sleeping giant consistently stays asleep until some venality turns extremely harmful, an specific act so offensive of the common good, specific cruelty so disruptive, that he is forced other than to stir.”

It's a hopeful perspective, and I appreciate the author's seasoned opinion. Maybe he’ll turn out correct.

Meanwhile, the major inquiries endure: is the US able to regain its footing? Is it possible to restore its position globally and its devotion to constitutional order?

Or should we recognize that the national endeavor functioned for a period, and then – suddenly, utterly – failed?

My negative thoughts suggests that the second option is correct; that all may indeed be finished. My positive feelings, though, advises me that we have to attempt, in whatever ways possible.

For me, working in journalism analysis, that involves encouraging reporters to commit, more completely, to their mission of scrutinizing authority. For different individuals, it might involve participating in election efforts, or coordinating protests, or developing approaches to defend electoral access.

Less than a year ago, we were in a very different place. Twelve months later? Or after another term? The truth is, we are uncertain. The only option is try to continue fighting.

What Offers Me Hope Now

The engagement I have with students with new media professionals, who are equally idealistic and grounded, {always