As we stand in almost April of 2025, the United States finds itself at a crossroads—a moment in history that feels almost surreal. For those of us outside the country, like myself in Australia, the situation feels as if the world is watching on with a combination of disbelief and concern. Democracy in the U.S. is being tested like never before, and the lines that divide Americans seem deeper than ever. But the question isn’t just about what happens within the borders of the U.S.; it’s about how the outcome will echo around the world. In Australia and across the globe, we’re all holding our breath, wondering how this will play out. Because, make no mistake, the repercussions of what happens in the U.S. ripple far beyond its shores.

If you had told me a decade ago that the man who once boasted about his ability to “make deals” would go on to become the 45th President of the United States, many—including myself—would have laughed it off. But here we are in 2025, with Trump now just two months into his second term. What once seemed like an improbable story has now become the reality of American politics.

To be clear, no one could have predicted how the events of the past few years would unfold. And if anyone had warned of these realities before, they might have been dismissed. But now, the question remains: Can the United States heal itself from within, or are we witnessing the unraveling of something much deeper?

Lincoln’s Warning: A Prophetic Statement for 2025?

During America’s Civil War, Abraham Lincoln offered a warning: “The United States will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” It’s easy to look at this line and think of it as a relic from the past, but I would argue it’s more relevant now than ever. In 2025, while external threats from Russia, China, and others remain serious, the internal divisions within the U.S. pose the most pressing threat to American democracy. This isn’t about just Republicans versus Democrats, or liberals versus conservatives. No, it’s about something much more fundamental: the erosion of trust in the very systems that hold American society together.

For those of us observing from abroad, this unraveling is as baffling as it is concerning. It’s clear to us that, from the outside, the country seems to be heading into an uncertain and volatile future. But what’s happening within the U.S. is even more dangerous than any foreign interference could ever be.

Freedom of the Press: A Pillar Under Siege

One of the greatest strengths of American democracy has always been its free press. It holds the government accountable and ensures that the voices of the people are heard. But over the past few years, we’ve seen a disturbing trend. Under Trump’s leadership, the press has been relentlessly attacked, branded as “fake news,” and vilified as an enemy of the people. This isn’t just a rhetorical strategy; it’s an attempt to undermine trust in the very institutions that keep democracy intact.

As someone from outside the U.S., this attack on the free press is deeply concerning. A free press isn’t just a nice-to-have feature of a healthy democracy—it’s absolutely essential. Without it, the ability to have informed debates is compromised, and the public is left in the dark. Whether in the U.S., Europe, or Australia, the truth remains that we all depend on a press that can operate without fear of retribution. Without it, we all suffer.

The Trump-Putin Dynamic: A Relationship of Intrigue

Now, let’s talk about something that has captivated the world for years: the complex relationship between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. From the outset, Trump’s admiration for Putin was apparent—calling him a “strong leader” and suggesting that his approach to governance was worth emulating. This dynamic raised eyebrows around the globe, and as we’ve seen over the years, it’s not just a U.S. issue. The world has been watching as the ties between these two leaders grow more intricate, with implications that stretch far beyond the United States.

The truth is, Russia has long sought to weaken Western institutions, including the U.S. And whether by design or coincidence, Trump’s rhetoric and policies seemed to align with Putin’s vision. This isn’t just about a transactional relationship—it’s about a shift in global geopolitics that is concerning for nations far and wide. As a citizen of Australia, I can’t help but wonder: What does this mean for the broader international community? Are we witnessing a shift in global power dynamics that will leave democracy as we know it at risk?

2025: Where Are We Now?

In 2025, Trump’s re-election marks the beginning of a new chapter in U.S. history. The country is now more divided than ever, with its political system fractured and deeply polarized. His policies, once considered radical, are now entrenched as part of the new American reality. But the question remains: Where does the country go from here?

It’s clear that America is in the midst of an identity crisis. Political parties are no longer able to find common ground, and faith in the system is at an all-time low. But this isn’t just about one man or one election. It’s about a larger, global question: What kind of world are we going to live in?

For those of us watching from abroad, this isn’t just an American story. It’s a global one. And we all have a stake in how it unfolds. It’s time to ask: Can America heal its internal wounds, or are we witnessing the end of a democratic experiment?

Looking Back to 2016: A Forewarning from the Start

If you’ve followed my work over the years, particularly on my website, you’ll know that I’ve been sounding the alarm about the potential consequences of a Trump presidency. From my early warnings in 2016, I expressed concerns about the polarizing effect of his rise to power. But in 2025, we can now see the full scope of what has been set into motion. The signs were there, and the consequences are now playing out on the global stage.

The question remains: Will the U.S. act in time to rebuild what’s been broken, or are we witnessing a new global order that we can’t reverse?

Conclusion: A Global Wake-Up Call

As the world watches, it’s important to remember that the strength of the United States lies not in any one individual, but in the resilience and unity of its people. Abraham Lincoln’s words from a century and a half ago are still as relevant as ever: The price of freedom is vigilance.

In 2025, America—and the rest of the world—stands at a crossroads. What kind of future do we want to create? The choices made today will define tomorrow. As a global citizen watching from afar, I can only hope that the United States finds its way back to its foundational principles before it’s too late.

Paul Alexander Wolf