It has been noted, even by his friends, that Trump is an admirer of Orban’s Hungary. So how could we get to an illiberal democracy from here? Let me count the ways:
1. POLITICIZE LAW ENFORCEMENT: Use all of the legal powers at your disposal to reward your friends and punish your enemies. The word will get out quickly.
2. REMAKE THE JUDICIARY IN YOUR IMAGE: Most of your opponents will be deterred simply by the potential of enforcement actions, but not all. You will need a friendly judiciary to take care of the rest. This is a very high priority item.
3. STIFLE THE INDEPENDENT MEDIA: This is easier in Hungary than it is here. You probably need an emergency to create the necessary legal basis. A wag-the-dog war, anyone?
4. STACK THE ELECTORAL DECK: Gerrymandering, voter suppression, and large campaign contributions from people and corporations who depend on your goodwill are the key here.
5. DEMONIZE YOUR OPPONENTS: You can always find some group of evil outsiders who are to blame if things go wrong for your government.
Does any of this ring a bell? If it doesn’t, it certainly should.