During a panel at Berlin’s literature festival, acclaimed authors Jamaica Kincaid, Elizabeth Kolbert, and William Hitchcock engaged in a critical examination of former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and policies. The conversation focused on the perceived threats to democratic institutions and the undermining of free speech. The authors expressed alarm over Trump’s attacks on the press, the judiciary, and the electoral process, warning of the broader implications for democracy.
Kincaid, known for her sharp critiques of power structures, emphasized how Trump’s approach to governance reflects a broader pattern of authoritarianism. She argued that the erosion of checks and balances poses a significant risk to constitutional democracy. Kolbert, a nonfiction writer and journalist, highlighted the role of media in holding leaders accountable, noting that Trump’s attacks on the press exemplify a dangerous trend. Hitchcock, a historian, provided context on how democratic backsliding has occurred in various countries, drawing parallels to the current situation in the United States.
The discussion underscored the importance of defending democratic norms and free expression. The authors called for vigilance in protecting these values against what they described as a growing assault on democratic institutions.