Q+A
On January 20, 2025, as Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, the nation reached a critical turning point.
As the United States marked the inauguration of its 47th President, Donald J. Trump, on January 20, 2025, the nation stands at a seminal crossroads. In this Q+A, the Ash Center sat down with Director and Winthrop Laflin McCormack Professor of Citizenship and Self-Government Archon Fung to discuss the significance of this occasion and what to expect during this pivotal moment in U.S. history.
Ash: In what ways does this Inauguration Day symbolize the resilience or fragility of American democracy?
Especially in these divided times, Inauguration Day is an especially important marker of one of the most valuable qualities of electoral democracy: the peaceful transfer of power from one leader and party to another. After the protests and violence of January 6th, 2020; the refusal of many Congressmen to certify those election results, and widespread denial of the 2020 election results, we know now that peaceful and orderly succession is not something Americans can take for granted.
Are there historical moments in American democracy that feel analogous to this day, and if so, what lessons should we draw from them?
This was a very close election in a very divided country. I hope that President Trump and other leaders strive to bring us together on a basis of inclusion and respect. This inauguration reminds me of President Lincoln’s first inaugural address, given on the eve of the Civil War, in which he pleaded for solidarity and understanding. He said:
“Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”
In what ways does the coincidence of this inauguration with MLK Day resonate symbolically or practically, particularly concerning civil rights and social justice?
The project of creating an inclusive and responsive democracy in which every citizen has equal voice and respect is nowhere in the world complete, and certainly not in the United States. Dr. King and his supporters fought for political, and then economic, inclusion of African Americans in the civil rights movement. Many who voted for President Trump were voting against a party and a government that they perceived to be unresponsive, uncaring, and dishonest.
How should scholars and educators approach this political moment in their teaching or research?
I think that scholars and educators should approach this moment with curiosity and humility. I’m impressed by how often policy experts and scholars in recent years have spoken with great confidence and yet have been badly mistaken in hindsight: about foreign policy, the COVID pandemic, and American democracy. Many of us would be better, more intellectually honest, and trustworthy teachers, scholars, and public servants if we dampened down our hubris.
What advice would you offer to students or public servants about navigating their roles in this political era?
I think the two approaches I would urge are first to listen, and then second, as Bryan Stevenson urges, to get close – what he has called “proximity” to the people and problems that you’re concerned with. Democracy works when the bridges are strong, and the distances short, between people on one hand, and experts and public leaders on the other. Public trust in experts and political leaders, and their institutions, is low and maybe listening and proximity can rebuild the bridges and increase the trust.
Commentary
Archon Fung explores the history of student activism at Harvard and argues that such movements often bring a rare sense of “moral clarity” to universities nationwide — a crucial benefit of free speech and peaceful protest.
Commentary
American democracy has faced a crisis of trust in elections, fueled by denialism and movements like “Stop the Steal”. Former Maricopa County recorder and Ash Senior Practice Fellow, Stephen Richer, outlines a potential solution in election administration by offering election facility tours. Finding that witnessing the election process firsthand significantly boosted trust in its integrity, highlighting transparency as a key tool to rebuild voter confidence.
Commentary
A recent panel discussion explored global patterns of democratic backsliding, focusing on the experiences of Venezuela, Thailand, and the United States. Moderated by Archon Fung, director of the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the conversation shared insights into how democratically elected leaders systematically erode checks and balances to consolidate power. The panelists highlighted common tactics of democratic erosion, and also strategies for safeguarding democracy.
Commentary
American democracy has faced a crisis of trust in elections, fueled by denialism and movements like “Stop the Steal”. Former Maricopa County recorder and Ash Senior Practice Fellow, Stephen Richer, outlines a potential solution in election administration by offering election facility tours. Finding that witnessing the election process firsthand significantly boosted trust in its integrity, highlighting transparency as a key tool to rebuild voter confidence.
Commentary
Drawing from her experience deploying an AI-powered chatbot to share accurate voting information during Venezuela’s recent election, Isabella Picón explains how AI technologies can enhance electoral participation and support pro-democracy movements.
Podcast
Archon Fung, Winthrop Laflin McCormack Professor of Citizenship and Self-Government, was recently asked to give the Morning Prayer at Harvard’s daily service. It is conducted each weekday morning from 8:30 to 8:45 a.m. in Appleton Chapel during the academic term. The service consists of music, prayer, and a brief address by a member or friend of the University.
