Trump 2.1, Misinformation, and the Future of U.S Democracy
Class - In Person & Zoom | Available (Membership Required)
This session offers a 2-part examination of U.S. politics in the Tramp 2.1 era and the information ecosystem that surrounds it. First, we assess the first year of the President's second term: What has been accomplished, who benefits, who has been placed at risk, and what trends - executive power, personnel, and policy - signal for for future administrations? We'll consider whether the consolidation of authority suggests a drift toward an "American monarchy," and where any democratic "tipping points" might lie. Second, we analyze how social media and the rise of AI intensify information overload, accelerate the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories, and complicate citizens' ability to distinguish truth from performance.
Leslie Caughell
Dr. Leslie Caughell is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Virginia Wesleyan University where she teaches courses in American politics, political communication, gender and politics, and misinformation. She currently serves as Chair of the Political Science Department and is an active public scholar, regularly providing expert commentary to regional media outlets. Dr. Caughell's research and teaching examine how political narratives, media environments, and partisan polarization shape citizens' beliefs and democratic engagement. Her recent projects include applied work on civic education and student mental health resources. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and has extensive experience translating research for public audiences through community talks, media interviews, and practitioner-focused workshops.