Is the US sliding into dictatorship?

Questions exist about the long-held belief that the United States is a democratic nation.

The assassination of political activist and conservative influencer Charlie Kirk last week has raised questions about American pride as a democratic and politically tolerant country.

Before the killing of Kirk, experts had warned about the US sliding into autocracy.

Scientific American published a critical opinion piece about Donald Trump's autocratic traits, claiming he meets all the warning signs of a dictator.

Last September, the publication warned of Trump’s “nonsensical conspiracy fantasies,” that he “ignores the climate crisis” and has a fondness for “unqualified ideologues,” whom he would appoint if he became president again. This is one of the examples cited about Trump.

Even his deputy, Vice President JD Vance, appears to share similar views. Vance has warned those who celebrate Kirk's death that they should be prepared for consequences.

Media reports allege that pilots, medical professionals, teachers and one Secret Service employee made a list of those who have been reportedly suspended or sacked for social media posts that were deemed inappropriate about Kirk's death.

The intolerance has gone as far as Republicans proposing to deport Kirk's critics from the United States, suing them into penury or banning them from social media for life.

A social media post has gone viral claiming that  Elon Musk just ''FIRED 2,000 employees at X after a staffer’s 'joke” mocking Charlie Kirk’s death went.

Although this information is still unverified, there are concerns that the Trump Administration's stance could lead to significant consequences.

It appears that the reputation the US once had for upholding democratic values is diminishing. If things continue at this pace, Trump may find himself on the same wall of infamy as leaders such as the North Korean dictator.

South Africans can be comfortable and feel assured that democracy thrives within our borders.