It’s no secret that America is in unprecedented times, especially following the 2025 election of President Donald Trump. The Trump presidency has been marked by sweeping changes to federal funding, federal agencies and a changing of the social norms and it has left many people confused.
On March 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the East/West Dining Hall, Assistant Professor of Communication Amanda Irions, Professor of Political Science Tim Hill and Assistant Professor of History Courtney Buchkoski hosted a Q&A titled “What’s Happening in Washington?” and gave students, staff and faculty the opportunity to ask questions about the turbulent change happening in Washington, what they can do about it and how they can stay informed.
The Q&A ranged from discussions about the budget cuts to federal agencies such as the Department of Education, the mass firings at National Parks, the rise of misinformation and extremism and attempting to define and discuss what the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is.
Two main talking points were repeated over the course of the Q&A, the first being a concern that American politics could be sliding towards authoritarianism and that average Americans might become disconnected from politics altogether.
“Americans tend to see the rest of the world slide towards authoritarianism and think that this can’t happen to us, we’re special,” Hill said during the Q&A. “We’re not special, these things can happen to any country.”
The panel agreed that while some current political action taken by the White House is concerning, Americans shouldn’t fear an authoritarian regime if they are diligent and informed. The second main talking point of the Q&A had to do with how to stay diligent and informed and the community action people can take in order to get the government they want.
“If you’re just doing individual actions then you’re just a tick, but if you have multiple groups of people then your actions have weight,” Hill said.
The panel encouraged people to be diligent in working to educate themselves, their peers and those close to them with credible sources, join community groups and lobby for what they believe in, whether that’s by calling their senators and constituents at the state level or working to help protect federal agencies or institutions that may be cut such as federal parks.
