The first indicator of a decline in democratic principles is a lack of genuine commitment to the established democratic processes. This pattern was evident when Trump challenged the credibility of the electoral system, raising doubts about the integrity of the electoral process itself. Such actions signal a troubling trend that can undermine the foundation of democracy.

In the 2016 election, Trump's unprecedented proposal to potentially reject the election results illustrated this weak commitment to democratic norms. By openly questioning the legitimacy of the electoral outcome, he set a dangerous precedent that could threaten the very essence of democratic governance.