The “No Kings” protests over the weekend highlighted growing concerns among Americans about potential authoritarianism under President Donald Trump. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a prominent GOP critic of Trump, publicly acknowledged the possibility of Trump leading the country toward authoritarianism. She criticized Trump’s actions, questioned his motivations, and expressed deep concern over his use of the National Guard and Marines in response to protests, which a judge ruled as illegal. Murkowski stressed the importance of upholding the balance of power between branches of government and voiced worries about ceding too much authority to the executive branch.

Her comments, while not directly labeling Trump as authoritarian, signaled a significant shift within the Republican Party. Murkowski’s willingness to address these concerns contrasts with other GOP members’ reluctance to speak out against the administration for fear of reprisal. Her remarks underscore a broader unease among some Republicans about the direction of the country and the potential erosion of democratic norms.

The senator’s reflections on Trump’s actions and their implications for democracy resonate with a sizable portion of voters who share concerns about authoritarian tendencies. As one of the few Republicans openly engaging in this discourse, Murkowski’s stance signifies a pivotal moment in acknowledging and confronting the challenges posed by the current political climate.