1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am writing to express growing concerns regarding what appears to be a coordinated attempt by powerful figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk to reshape the political and cultural landscape of America in a way that undermines democratic norms and principles. While this effort does not involve force or violence, it increasingly resembles what might be described as a “soft coup” or a “bloodless coup,” where legal and democratic systems are manipulated or subverted to consolidate power and limit the ability of others to participate in governance. In the case of Donald Trump, his ongoing challenges to electoral outcomes, refusal to accept the legitimacy of losses, and efforts to embed loyalists into critical positions within the government, judiciary, and state election systems suggest a strategy to circumvent future democratic processes. Trump’s rhetoric has consistently undermined trust in elections, sowing doubt about the very institutions that uphold our democracy. At the same time, Elon Musk’s growing influence in media and communication platforms, particularly his control of X (formerly Twitter), raises concerns about the consolidation of power over public discourse. By selectively amplifying certain narratives and suppressing others, Musk wields the ability to shape public opinion in ways that could undermine free and fair debate. His alignment with particular political ideologies and his reach into the tech and economic sectors only deepens the concern. What makes this situation particularly alarming is the use of legal and institutional mechanisms to achieve these ends. From exploiting loopholes in election laws to influencing public opinion through private platforms, the actions of these individuals represent an erosion of democratic norms without the overt violence or military force historically associated with coups. It is incredibly, and frighteningly, reminiscent of Adolph Hitler’s rise to power. Furthermore, history shows us that leaders who gain power through legal means can sometimes attempt to maintain that power through illegal or unethical actions. By disrupting systems of accountability, discrediting legitimate opposition, and consolidating influence across government, media, and industry, this soft coup risks entrenching power in the hands of a few at the expense of the many. * * *