Sen. Chris Murphy Warns of “Restrictive Oligarchy” Under Trump Presidency
On Thursday, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) took to the Senate floor to deliver a grave warning about the direction of American democracy under President-elect Donald Trump and his “billionaire cronies.” Murphy accused Trump of orchestrating a deliberate shift toward a “restrictive oligarchy,” where political opposition is silenced, the press is intimidated, and the government is exploited to enrich a small elite.
Murphy’s Warning
Murphy began his remarks by admonishing those who deny the unfolding changes. “What is happening right now,” he declared, “is a plan to transform this country from a democracy into an oligarchy where the few dominate the many, the media is not free, and political dissent is crushed.”
Three Concerning Events
Murphy highlighted three recent developments as evidence of this troubling trajectory:
- Liz Cheney Investigation
The House Subcommittee on Oversight’s recommendation to criminally investigate former Rep. Liz Cheney for her role in the January 6 committee was Murphy’s first example. “Liz Cheney did nothing criminal,” Murphy stated, emphasizing that the move was politically motivated. He warned that Cheney would not be the last political opponent targeted under Trump’s administration.
Murphy pointed to Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, Kash Patel, and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, nominated for Attorney General, as part of an effort to install loyalists who prioritize political allegiance over justice.
- Lawsuit Against Iowa Pollster
Murphy also highlighted Trump’s lawsuit against Iowa pollster J. Ann Selzer and The Des Moines Register over pre-election polling that showed Vice President Kamala Harris leading Trump. “Trump is attempting to intimidate journalists and suppress unfavorable reporting,” Murphy warned. He expressed concern that pollsters and journalists might self-censor to avoid similar legal battles in the future. - ABC News Settlement
The $15 million settlement by ABC News to Trump’s presidential library was Murphy’s third example. Trump had sued over a statement by anchor George Stephanopoulos alleging he had been found liable for raping E. Jean Carroll. Murphy called the lawsuit “bogus” but said the settlement demonstrated how media companies might increasingly choose to appease Trump rather than risk his retaliation.
Broader Implications
Murphy accused Trump and his allies of using intimidation tactics to silence opposition, manipulate the media, and enrich themselves at the expense of the American people. “They want government contracts, privatization, and regulatory breaks,” Murphy said. “But they know they can only get away with this if no one holds them accountable.”
Murphy also criticized the recent collapse of a bipartisan government funding deal, which he blamed on Trump and Elon Musk. Murphy claimed their opposition to the plan on Musk’s platform, X (formerly Twitter), was part of an effort to push for tax breaks and benefits for the wealthy instead.
A Warning for the Future
Murphy concluded with a stark warning: “We could wake up one day to find the rules of democracy so rigged that Republicans or the Trump family never lose again, and billionaires continue to steal from all of us unchecked.” He urged Americans to remain vigilant, cautioning that the erosion of democracy could occur without a single, dramatic moment.
Murphy’s speech was a call to action for citizens, lawmakers, and the media to recognize and resist the potential threats to democratic norms under Trump’s incoming administration.
