Donald Trump has emerged victorious from the presidential elections in the United States of America. His victory triggered an avalanche of debate among political analysts, commentators, and citizens. The British newspaper The Guardian summed it up with a provocative sentence: “The digital fascist has defeated the analog democratic order.” This comment underlines a significant shift in political campaigning practice and highlights the ineffectiveness of traditional political tools and strategies in dealing with the populism of the digital age.
The Guardian’s commentary calling Trump a “digital fascist” draws on the intuitive reaction many had to his campaign methods and rhetoric. Trump’s victory was not based on adherence to traditional political norms but on a new, dynamic digital engagement with voters. He focused his campaign intensively on social networks, particularly Twitter, i.e., X, where his uncensored and often provocative messages resonated with many voters. His online presence bypassed the filters of the mainstream media and allowed him to build a narrative that spoke directly to the frustrations and hopes of his supporters.
But does this victory mean the undermining of democracy? On closer inspection, the answer is far more nuanced. Trump’s success does not speak to the collapse of democratic principles but to the evolution of democracy, in which traditional channels of communication are giving way to digital platforms. Trump’s “digital fascism” is less about authoritarianism and more about an unbridled, often disruptive style of political communication via the internet, adapting direct appeals to voters to emotion and immediate engagement. His victory illustrates that digital platforms are now indispensable tools for winning support and influencing public opinion, signaling that the strategies of the analog era are outdated.
Democracy does not require an outcome that is pleasant or familiar. In essence, democracy is a mechanism by which citizens express their collective will, regardless of how much it coincides with the preferences of the elites or the establishment. Trump’s victory, no matter how unconventional, is a legitimate democratic outcome. He has succeeded in tapping into the concerns, frustrations, and ambitions of a significant part of the American population who felt alienated or marginalized by the traditional political system. The fact that he defied expectations speaks to a populist wave in which simple, often sensational messages resonate more than policies with complex solutions.
Trump’s campaign directly addressed specific issues that American voters were focused on: economic insecurity, job creation, national identity, and immigration reform. Trump promised economic revitalization, the reducing of regulations, and a national focus on “America First,” tapping into long-standing anxieties of the middle and working classes who felt neglected by globalization. His stance on these issues may have seemed harsh to some, but to others his promises clearly conveyed a sense of security, strength, and hope. Thus, this election cycle has illustrated the American people’s yearning for tangible, immediate solutions, despite their simplistic formulation.
Surprisingly, minorities, including immigrants and descendants of immigrants, were also among Trump’s supporters or voters. To many, this may seem contradictory given his often-harsh rhetoric on immigration. However, we can understand this phenomenon when we look at the multi-layered identities and motivations of voters. Many immigrant families have deeply conservative values, a strong work ethic, and a sense of duty to contribute positively to their adopted country. Trump’s focus on economic growth and job creation aligned with their aspirations for prosperity and stability—goals that resonated more than his stance on immigration policy.
Trump’s message of law and order and his promises to restore traditional American values have also resonated with immigrant communities who, despite their foreign roots, feel deeply committed to the American dream. His rhetoric about creating jobs and boosting American production had practical appeal for many working in industries affected by outsourcing and economic fluctuations. In this context, Trump’s victory underscores the complexity of minority and immigrant voting behavior, where identity politics intertwine with practical and economic issues.
The United States is not alone in this trend toward populist solutions. Voters around the world, from Europe to Latin America, are increasingly turning to leaders who propose straightforward, populist solutions to complicated problems. Leaders in Europe and elsewhere are facing similar challenges as citizens grow weary of traditional political discourse that often seems far removed from their daily lives. In this context, Trump’s victory is in line with a global trend that favors simple, emotional promises over complex, technocratic policy proposals.
This development points to a cultural transformation in the perception and practice of democracy. Citizens want accessible, personal solutions that can break through the political establishment’s inertia. In essence, “traditional democracy”—characterized by deliberation, institutional norms, and thoughtful debate—no longer feels as relevant in a world characterized by digital immediacy and heightened emotions.
Trump’s victory has significant implications for Europe, particularly in terms of transatlantic relations and NATO. Trump’s business pragmatism characterizes his approach to international alliances. He favors cost-sharing and puts American interests first. European leaders are likely to come under new pressure to increase their defense spending and participate more actively in collective security arrangements. Under a Trump administration that is likely to favor American autonomy and the fiscal responsibility of others, the long-standing reliance on the United States’ support, particularly within NATO, may no longer hold.
European countries must therefore begin serious preparations to strengthen their security framework and reduce dependence on American support. This includes investing in defense capabilities, improving regional cooperation, and building resilience in areas such as energy and technology. By becoming more independent in defense and economic matters, Europe can protect its interests in an increasingly multipolar world in which the United States may not be willing to make collective commitments unconditionally.
Skepticism about Trump’s ability to lead the country is widespread, but history offers us examples of American presidents who defied expectations and made a huge impact. Take Harry Truman, for example, who took office under enormous pressure and suspicion. Public skepticism was high when he came to power because he did not have the charisma and reputation of his predecessor, Franklin D. Roosevelt. However, Truman surprised the nation and the world with decisive steps, from the implementation of the Marshall Plan to the founding of NATO. In doing so, he laid the foundations for a strong international order after the Second World War and consolidated America’s global leadership role.
Truman’s achievements show that even in the midst of skepticism, the potential for leadership through responsibility can grow. The world is now watching Trump warily, but there is a possibility that his unconventional style could lead to results that could be beneficial, even transformative, in addressing the unique challenges of this time. Although the international community is wary of his presidency, there is still room for cautious optimism.
Trump’s election victory is surely evidence of the evolution of democracy in the digital age, where traditional campaigning is giving way to uncensored, emotional appeals. His victory does not signal the end of democracy, but rather its adaptation to the realities of a digitally connected world. As the United States redefines its domestic and foreign policy under Trump’s leadership, Europe must respond with strategic foresight and strengthen its independence and preparedness in a changing geopolitical landscape.
It remains to be seen whether Trump’s presidency will fulfill the promises that have captivated the majority of American voters or whether it will collapse under the pressure of global expectations. But as American leaders like Truman have shown, sometimes an unexpected leader can produce positive results. At a time when democratic norms are under pressure, it is important to remember that democracy is not only about freedom of choice, but also about the humility to respect the choices of others—even when they surprise and displease us.