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USA - The Rise of the Ultra-Right

January 15, 2025

How has the ultra-right made it to the heart of American politics? By gradually occupying positions of power in politics, the judiciary and the media and steadily expanding its sphere of influence.

https://p.dw.com/p/4nZ6z
DW Dokumentationen | Der Aufstieg der Ultrarechten in den USA
Image: Morgane

Adherents have been bolstered by Trump’s 2024 election victory.

Protest march in front of the Supreme Court against the abortion ban
In 2022, the Supreme Court overturns the federal right to abortionImage: Morgane

The tightening of abortion laws, the 2021 storming of the Capitol, a flare-up in racist violence: The US far-right has never been more powerful and visible than it is today - and that’s not just due to Donald Trump. The ultra-right has managed to gain a foothold at the very heart of US politics. As part of a strategy to win the 2024 election, it was ready to create a social divide similar to that of the secessionist wars, plunge the country into chaos and cause democracy to totter.

A photo from the 1980s of a meeting of the conservative lawyers' association “The Federalist Society”.
In 1982, the conservative lawyers' association “The Federalist Society” was founded with the aim of reorganizing the courts.Image: Morgane

The triumph of the radical right is the outcome of a well-thought-out strategy set in motion more than 40 years ago by a conservative minority thirsty for power. And this group has pushed through its agenda under the nose of the world. Today, we can see how successful its strategy was:

Photo of the nine judges appointed for life to the Supreme Court
Nine judges appointed for life decide on the continuation of social achievements, five of them are from the Federalist Society. Image: Morgane

The ultra-right has gained control of the key centers of power, a process accelerated on all levels by Donald Trump. With his help, the ultra-right now has control of the Supreme Court. Its advance continues unabated, with Trump’s election victory marking an interim high point. 

 

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