Presidency Impotence: A New Era of Weak Leadership
President Donald Trump has been posting to Truth Social incessantly on Tuesday morning in the lead-up to his flight to Davos, switzerland, for the World Economic Forum. He’s sharing AI-generated images about conquering Greenland, he’s called for unnamed officials from the Biden era to be prosecuted for unspecified crimes, and he’s tried to tell the Department of Homeland Security how to post better to win the propaganda war in Minnesota.He’s even shared private Signal conversations he’s had with European leaders.
Every Trump post is a fascist threat that should be taken seriously. But sitting here on Jan. 20, 2026, a year as he was inaugurated for his second term, Trump’s steady stream of posting has never made him look more pathetic. Amid the chaos of his online presence, the desperation emanating from each tweet is perhaps reason to be optimistic that average Americans will prevail in the fight against Trumpism.
Not a strong man
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“The whole problem we are having with criminals in our Country was caused by Sleepy joe Biden and the Radical Left thugs that surrounded the Resolution [sic] Desk in the Oval Office – And, of course, the Illegal Use of the Auto Pen!!! They should be in jail!” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth social.
Pathetic. Whiny. Weak.
For starters, it’s called the Resolute Desk, not “Resolution Desk.” But if we put aside the president’s ignorance of basic facts for a moment, this is the rant of an increasingly desperate man. Step back and think about what things felt like during the pre-Trump era. Imagine any other president in U.S. history whining about the previous president in such a way—a year after he’s taken office, no less.And then think about what Trump is even asking for. Is it clear? Does he even know anymore?
Trump has tried to turn President biden’s use of the auto-pen into some kind of scandal for a very long time now. He insists that the use of the autopen, a tool employed by multiple presidents (including Trump) to place a signature on various documents, invalidates all of the things signed. Take a close look at the post,though. Trump never specifies who should go to jail. He never articulates the supposed crime that was committed.He’s just shouting into the void known as Truth Social. He’s pitiful. A dangerous man, for sure, but each new post seems like an admission of inadequacy.
ICE propaganda
Or take another post Trump sent out Tuesday about the media strategy currently being deployed by DHS and ICE to push out propaganda involving the federal occupation of Minnesota. Trump has sent thousands of secret police to the state to terrorize immigrant communities, and he wants DHS to “start talking about the murderers and other criminals that they are capturing.” DHS regularly sends out tweets and media statements doing just that, though they’re frequently enough lying about the circumstances of the people they pursue.
Trump insisted in his post that the pushback Minnesotans are showing is artificial and coming from paid agitators.“Show the Numbers, Names, and Faces of the violent criminals, and show them NOW. The people will start supporting the Patriots of ICE, rather of the highly paid troublemakers, anarchists, and agitators! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” Trump wrote.
The president regularly tries to direct media messaging in this way, whether it’s on immigration or anything else that may displease him during late-night comedy shows or Fox news circlejerks. But he knows he’s losing in a place like Minnesota right now. He admits in that post that the people don’t support “the patriots of ICE” and are instead supporting the “troublemakers” and anarchists.His argument is that by changing the messaging,people will come to see the correct point of view.
But such a push seems extremely unlikely to succeed. trump lives and dies by media coverage. And social media has provided a unique window for people to see what’s happening in Minnesota more clearly. Anyone who isn’t white is being regularly harassed on the street; secret police are arresting citizens while denying them access to lawyers, and an ICE agent literally shot an unarmed woman in the face. Renee Good’s death will be just one of many if Trump’s goons continue to ramp up their campaign of terror.
People can see with their own eyes that the people fighting back in Minnesota aren’t outside agitators. Is some shadowy cabal sending paid protesters in their bathrobes to give ICE agents low self-esteem? Because if you look at the photos coming out of the state, these are Minnesotans. Who else would step out in freezing temperatures to record the secret police while wearing their robes?
DHS claims that its agents with Border Patrol and ICE are the real victims in all of this. The agency thinks that anyone who dares to speak out against their neighbors being abducted is just being plain mean.
Rep. Michael McCaul told ABC’s This Week on Sunday that they’re suffering from “8,000 verbal assaults.” DHS didn’t respond to questions emailed Sunday about how it tracks “verbal assaults” and whether that’s a new metric.
Simply pathetic.
Greenland and the end of NATO
Trump has also been posting about Greenland, the story of the day that’s disturbing markets and putting European leaders in the uncomfortable position of contemplating a shooting war with a longtime ally. Trump wants to acquire greenland,either through purchase or invasion,and has made it his number one priority lately. European countries have sent troops to the country to defend it.
The president posted an AI-generated image on Tuesday morning showing himself, vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio all standing awkwardly in Greenland.Trump is holding an American flag,planting it in the country,next to a sign that reads “Greenland,U.S. territory, est. 2026.”
The global political landscape remains highly contested, with numerous instances of authoritarian challenges and resistance movements. While claims of definitive setbacks for “fascist” movements require careful examination, several regions are experiencing increased political polarization and conflict. As of January 20, 2026, no single, universally accepted definition of “fascism” exists, making broad assessments challenging. This report focuses on key areas where authoritarian trends are being contested and provides verified facts as of the specified date.
Political polarization is increasing globally, characterized by the rise of nationalist and populist movements, often employing rhetoric that challenges democratic norms. These movements do not necessarily align with past definitions of fascism,but share characteristics such as strong leadership,anti-immigrant sentiment,and a rejection of established institutions.
A 2024 report by the V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg documented a global decline in democracy, with 75% of the worldS population living in regimes with declining democratic standards. V-Dem Democracy Report 2024. This decline is attributed to factors including economic inequality, social fragmentation, and the spread of disinformation.
The situation in europe
Several European nations have witnessed the growth of far-right political parties. These parties have gained traction by capitalizing on concerns about immigration, economic insecurity, and national identity.
In Italy, the Brothers of Italy party, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, remains in power as of January 20, 2026. While the party identifies as conservative, its historical roots and rhetoric have drawn comparisons to fascist ideologies. Reuters – Italy’s Meloni marks one year in power. However, the party operates within a parliamentary democracy and is subject to constitutional constraints. Opposition parties continue to mobilize against policies perceived as restrictive of civil liberties.
Developments in the Americas
Across the Americas, democratic institutions face challenges from both left- and right-wing populist movements. These movements often exploit social divisions and undermine trust in established political processes.
In Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, elected in 2022, is working to reverse policies implemented during the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro. BBC news – Lula marks one year in office. Bolsonaro’s presidency was marked by a weakening of environmental regulations, attacks on democratic institutions, and the spread of disinformation. While Lula’s election represented a rejection of Bolsonaro’s policies,the political polarization remains significant,and Bolsonaro continues to be a prominent figure in Brazilian politics.
Challenges in Asia
Authoritarian regimes continue to consolidate power in several Asian countries. These regimes often suppress dissent, restrict freedom of expression, and violate human rights.
In Myanmar, the military junta that seized power in February 2021 continues to rule the country despite widespread resistance. Human Rights Watch – Myanmar.The junta has been accused of committing widespread human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary detention. Armed resistance groups are fighting against the military, but the junta maintains control of key areas of the country.
Resistance and Counter-Movements
Despite the rise of authoritarian trends, resistance movements are active in many parts of the world. These movements employ a variety of tactics,including peaceful protests,civil disobedience,and armed struggle.
In Belarus, protests against the authoritarian regime of Alexander Lukashenko continue, albeit with limited success. U.S. Department of State – Belarus. The regime has responded to protests with brutal