Although there have been numerous more significant, overarching levels of democratic erosion displayed by the Trump administration, examining the seemingly minor actions contributing to this phenomenon is also beneficial. One is the appointment of Devin Nunes, a staunch Trump loyalist, to head the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board. This appointment is another development that exemplifies the dissembling of democratic norms and institutions in the United States. As asserted by Ozan Varol, this type of strategic manipulation of political institutions by an authoritarian-leaning leader is a key mechanism of democratic backsliding. Devin Nunes, known for his efforts to delegitimize the Trump-Russia investigation, now wields significant influence over the oversight of U.S. intelligence agencies, potentially undermining their independence and impartiality. This aligns with the concept of “stealth authoritarianism,” where ostensibly legal means are used to consolidate power and weaken checks on executive authority (Varol). Additionally, the reliance on the decisions of political elites, rather than robust constitutional safeguards, to determine the fate of American democracy is a notable vulnerability. President Trump’s decision to appoint Nunes to this influential position represents a troubling trend of democratic erosion driven by polarization, the strategic manipulation of institutions, and the fragility of democratic norms.
Nunes, who previously led the House Intelligence Committee and worked to delegitimize the Trump-Russia investigation, is now poised to provide “independent assessments” of the U.S. Intelligence Community’s activities (Times). This appointment aligns with the concept of “stealth authoritarianism,” using seemingly legal mechanisms to undermine democratic institutions and norms (Varol). By placing a partisan ally in a position of influence over the intelligence community, the Trump administration may be attempting to consolidate power and undermine the autonomy and oversight of federal agencies. This raises questions about the integrity and impartiality of intelligence assessments, which are crucial for democratic decision-making. Additionally, Nunes’ history of attacking legitimate investigations into the president suggests a troubling pattern of using government institutions to shield the executive from scrutiny, a hallmark of democratic backsliding.
By placing a partisan figure with a history of political attacks in a position of power over intelligence oversight, the Trump administration demonstrates a willingness to manipulate the system to consolidate executive control strategically, a common tactic of democratic erosion (Varol). Furthermore, Nunes’ continued leadership of Trump’s media company raises concerns about the blurring of lines between government and private interests, further weakening the autonomy of democratic institutions.
This loyalist-driven appointment is one of many exemplifying the dangerous impacts of extreme partisan polarization on the health of American democracy. Polarization—commonly fueled by conflicts over race, culture, and economic inequality—can pose a grave threat to democratic institutions and norms. Nunes’ selection, made without the usual Senate confirmation process, demonstrates how political leaders can leverage their power to undermine checks and balances, a key tenet of democratic governance. Furthermore, Nunes’ history of using his position to delegitimize the Trump-Russia investigation and his current role as the CEO of Trump’s own media company, Truth Social, suggest a concerning blend of political and private interests that could enable the strategic manipulation of intelligence and the spread of disinformation. The fate of American democracy rests not only on the strength of its formal institutions but also on the decisions and actions of political elites like President Trump, whose appointment of Nunes appears to prioritize partisan loyalty over the impartial and ethical oversight of the intelligence community.
Nunes’ history of attacking the Russia investigation and Trump’s first impeachment, coupled with his new role overseeing the U.S. intelligence community, raises significant concerns about the potential for the strategic manipulation of information and the weakening of democratic institutions. The reliance on elite decisions rather than strong constitutional safeguards underscores the fragility of American democracy and the inherent necessity for vigilance against the erosion of democratic principles, even within the highest levels of government.
Devin Nunes (left) alongside Donald Trump during the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 17, 2024.
Stealth authoritarianism is an excellent term for what is happening right now. It seems like our government is becoming an oligarchy: he is appointing loyalists into positions supposed to be independent and impartial. This consolidation of power is chilling, and even more chilling is the administrations stated intent to disregard court rulings.