Entering a Dark Age: The Second Trump Administration, We Never Truly Wanted This

For millions of middle-class Americans—and those striving to get there—this moment represents not a promised return to greatness but a grim slide into despair.

Photo by Raphael Assouline on Unsplash

Entering a Dark Age: The Second Trump Administration, We Never Truly Wanted This

The United States teeters on the brink of a modern dark age. With Donald Trump returning to the presidency, a heavy pall of pessimism hangs over the nation. For millions of middle-class Americans — and those striving to get there — this moment represents not a promised return to greatness but a grim slide into despair. This is far from the future we hoped for, and it’s certainly not the one we deserve.

A Nation in Retreat

Historically, “dark ages” symbolize periods of cultural stagnation, growing inequity, and setbacks in progress. In 2024, that term feels disturbingly apt. A second Trump administration threatens to unravel hard-won advances in climate action, social equity, healthcare, and economic fairness. Policies favoring the ultra-wealthy will likely deepen the struggles of working Americans. Once-reliable safety nets…