The Ongoing Legitimacy Crisis in America
The legitimacy crisis in the United States seems to have started in 2016. When Donald Trump won the presidency, the Democratic establishment and some liberal media figures were quick to label him a pawn of Vladimir Putin. They attributed Hillary Clinton’s defeat to alleged Russian interference, claiming Trump was involved in “Russian collusion.” From the very first day, pundits on networks like MSNBC were vocal about this narrative, which persisted for four years despite a lack of evidence to support it.
This crisis intensified further. In late 2020 and into early 2021, Trump attempted to paint Joe Biden’s victory as illegitimate, asserting that the election had been stolen. Oddly enough, just like the left’s Russia claims, a significant portion of the population — around one-third — has continued to believe Biden somehow “stole” the election, further fueled by right-wing influencers and politicians eager for attention and funds. This trend shows no signs of dissipating.
Fast forward to the 2024 election. Even after Trump’s substantial win over Kamala Harris, skepticism remains, with many Americans doubting the legitimacy of his administration. Take, for instance, the protests against ICE in Minneapolis. These gatherings illustrate how some liberals struggle to accept policies that lead to the deportation of undocumented immigrants. The rhetoric often suggests that Trump’s administration has enacted a kind of authoritarian takeover, depicting ICE agents in bombastic, almost theatrical terms. Though, in reality, perhaps this perception might be an overreaction to the actual policies.
Moreover, the legitimacy crisis has permeated Congress itself. Both Democrat and Republican members have not only condoned but also driven narratives that question the legitimacy of their respective counterparts. Public behavior from some lawmakers often seems unprofessional or unbecoming, blurring the lines of decorum typically expected from elected officials. For instance, Sarah Jacobs has made bizarre comparisons between cosmetic procedures and child gender reassignment, while Nancy Mace has engaged in petty exchanges over comments regarding Elon Musk. It all contributes to a rather disingenuous atmosphere in Congress.
Consider the case of Congressman Randy Fine from Florida. Known for his brash and combative style, Fine won a special election in April 2025 but has carried that disruptive reputation into his role in Congress. His social media presence has been criticized as irresponsible and inflammatory, further eroding faith in the institution. Recently, he added fuel to the fire surrounding anti-Muslim sentiment by misrepresenting social media comments about dogs and Islam. In some respects, this is a reflection of larger issues at play within congressional decorum.
While one could argue that the U.S. is facing a broader crisis concerning political legitimacy, it doesn’t stop there. There’s a general disillusionment with Congress, reflected in its diminishing approval ratings. Many believe that the legislative body has practically surrendered its responsibilities to executive and lobbying interests, resulting in legislation often viewed as more performative than substantive. This erosion of transparency and accountability appears to be a growing concern.
Consequently, congressional members often seem more focused on online theatrics and social media spectacles rather than meaningful governance. The approach to politics now resembles a meme war rather than genuine discourse. The consequences of this shift extend beyond mere entertainment; they may lead to political apathy among voters and enable a culture where elected officials prioritize personal fame over civic duty.
Until lawmakers refocus on the serious responsibilities that come with their positions and regain a sense of gravitas and integrity, the crisis of legitimacy may only worsen. It seems essential for them to acknowledge not only their roles but also the expectations of those who elected them. Otherwise, the situation may continue its downward trajectory.
