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'If You Can Keep It': Competitive Authoritarianism 101 : 1A "LONG LIVE THE KING!"

President Donald Trump posted that self-referential statement on Truth Social last week. He was celebrating his attempt to kill congestion pricing in New York City.

And several weeks ago, Trump declared, "He who saves his country does not violate any law."

His administration's actions are clear. They appear to be abandoning the American democracy we know. We discuss what a new American government could look like if our system of democracy no longer holds, and what it means for you, regardless of your political affiliation.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.

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'If You Can Keep It': Competitive Authoritarianism 101

'If You Can Keep It': Competitive Authoritarianism 101

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U.S. President Donald Trump walks to the Residence after arriving to the White House in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images) Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images hide caption

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Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images

U.S. President Donald Trump walks to the Residence after arriving to the White House in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images)

Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images

"LONG LIVE THE KING!"

President Donald Trump posted that self-referential statement on Truth Social last week. He was celebrating his attempt to kill congestion pricing in New York City.

And several weeks ago, Trump declared, "He who saves his country does not violate any law."

His administration's actions are clear. They appear to be abandoning the American democracy we know. So, what does a new American government look like if our system of democracy no longer holds? And what does it mean for you, regardless of your political affiliation?

Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.