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Princeton Today
By the People, for the People
Princeton Professor Warns of 'Five-Alarm Fire' for US Democracy
Glaude says Trump's second term has put the country in a dire situation
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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In an appearance on MS NOW's 'Deadline,' Princeton University professor and network contributor Eddie Glaude, Jr. claimed that the second term of former President Donald Trump has put the country in the 'midst of a five-alarm fire with regards to our democracy.' Glaude called for the living former presidents to speak out, saying 'our democracy is at stake.'
Why it matters
Glaude's stark warning about the state of American democracy coming from a prominent academic and political commentator underscores the deep divisions and challenges facing the country in the aftermath of the Trump presidency.
The details
During the interview, Glaude criticized the 'bile and vitriol' in current politics, as well as Trump's 'obvious narcissism' and connection to the Epstein scandal. He argued that the country is in a crisis, with 'all hell breaking loose around us,' and said he wants 'reasoned arguments to call these people out for what they're doing to our republic.'
- The interview took place on Monday, February 16, 2026.
The players
Eddie Glaude, Jr.
A Princeton University professor and network contributor on MS NOW.
Donald Trump
The former President of the United States whose second term Glaude says has put the country in a dire situation regarding its democracy.
What they’re saying
“We are in the midst of a five-alarm fire with regard to our democracy. All hell is breaking loose around us. I don't want propriety. I don't want decorum. I want reasoned arguments to call these people out for what they're doing to our republic.”
— Eddie Glaude, Jr., Princeton University professor (MS NOW)
The takeaway
Glaude's stark warning underscores the deep divisions and challenges facing American democracy in the aftermath of the Trump presidency, and calls on former presidents to speak out in defense of democratic norms and institutions.
