“Death of Democratic Freedoms: Trump’s First 45 Days” offers the reader an in-depth analysis of the current erosion of democratic norms under the early presidency of Donald Trump in 2025. Written with a writing style aimed at the general public, this work functions as both a cautionary tale and an urgent guide for understanding the mechanics of authoritarianism as they unfold in real-time. The book traces the first 45 days of Trump’s second term, positing that these initial actions set a precedent for a broader, more calculated dismantling of democratic freedoms in the United States.
As the title suggests, this is a book that is unapologetically partisan. Gregory is keenly aware of the complexities surrounding the term “authoritarian,” and she takes great care to define the nuances of these political movements, juxtaposing classical fascism with contemporary authoritarian regimes. Her analysis dives into the shared characteristics of dictatorial rule—centralized power, manipulation of fear, suppression of dissent, and the cultivation of a leader’s personality cult—all of which she makes the argument Trump’s actions in his first 45 days evoke.
Containing an extensive bibliography, this book is marked by an intellectual rigor that will appeal to those seeking a deeper understanding of the current American political landscape while being accessible enough for readers unfamiliar with the intricacies of political theory. The chapters are richly detailed, with historical comparisons and case studies from regimes past, including Hitler’s Germany and Mussolini’s Italy. These extreme comparisons serve not as direct parallels but as tools for understanding the modern shift toward authoritarianism.
Gregory does not shy away from harsh truths. Her assessment of the Trump administration’s actions—from the revocation of executive orders to the silencing of the media—paints a chilling picture of what she views as a trajectory toward a more autocratic future. Importantly, she refrains from sensationalism, instead offering a calm but urgent analysis of the conditions that have allowed such a shift to take place. Her critique is not solely focused on Trump as an individual, but on the systemic issues that have made the United States vulnerable to such a radical transformation, such as the erosion of trust in democratic institutions and the rise of a hyper-polarized electorate.
One of the more compelling sections of the book discusses the “gatekeepers” of democracy—institutions and social structures designed to prevent the rise of authoritarianism. Gregory argues that these gatekeepers are weakening under the pressure of political and economic forces that favor the wealthy elite. The influence of super PACs, the reduction of labor unions, and the growing power of corporate interests have combined to create an environment in which ordinary citizens find themselves increasingly disenfranchised.
The structure of the book itself is a reflection of Gregory’s goal to educate as much as it is to warn. While she navigates through complex political systems with a scholarly tone, her use of a comprehensive glossary of terms makes the book more approachable for a broader audience. This is not merely a book for political analysts; it is a manual for any citizen trying to understand the alarming shifts in their society.
However, Death of Democratic Freedoms is not without its flaws. The extensive focus on historical examples and comparisons, while enlightening, can at times feel a bit excessive, especially when the political situation in 2025 is in its nascent stages. Moreover, some may find Gregory’s writing style sometimes veers too closely to the theoretical, leaving moments that could benefit from more grounded, contemporary analysis. Still, one of the benefits of self-publishing is that we can access such an up-to-date work so quickly, without the rigmarole and delays of traditional publishing.
All in all, Lesley Gregory’s book is a must-read for those concerned about the state of American democracy. It offers a thorough examination of the early days of Trump’s second term, positioning these events within a broader historical and political context. Though not without its dense passages, the book’s clarity and passion will appeal to anyone eager to understand the precarious state of democratic freedoms in the modern world. Gregory has delivered a timely, important work that is as much a warning as it is a call to action.
You can get your copy of “Death of Democratic Freedoms: Trump’s First 45 Days” here!
