Readers Decry Trump's Presidency, Warn of Damage to Democracy

Letters to the Editor criticize Trump's actions and call for action to restore America's democratic values.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 10:03am

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A series of letters to the editor published on jsonline.com express deep concerns about President Donald Trump's tenure, accusing him of desecrating the office of the presidency, mishandling foreign policy, and dividing the country. The writers call on Congress and the American people to take action to curtail Trump's worst impulses and restore the country's democratic foundations.

Why it matters

These letters reflect growing public alarm over the direction of the country under Trump's leadership, with warnings that his presidency is inflicting lasting damage on America's democratic institutions and global standing. As the 2024 election approaches, these views highlight the high stakes and competing visions for the future of the United States.

The details

The letters criticize Trump on a range of issues, from his inappropriate and dangerous rhetoric, to his mishandling of the Iran conflict, to his efforts to undermine birthright citizenship. The writers argue that Trump's actions have eroded respect for the presidency, divided the country, and endangered core democratic values enshrined in the Constitution. They call on Congress to rein in Trump's worst excesses and for voters to elect leaders who will work to repair the damage of his presidency.

  • The letters were published on jsonline.com on March 20, 2026.

The players

Kathie Schlemm

A resident of Franklin, Wisconsin who wrote a letter criticizing Trump's presidency.

Phyllis Carey

A resident of Newton, Wisconsin who wrote a letter expressing concern over the country's division and loss of respect under Trump.

William Boyd

A resident of Brown Deer, Wisconsin who wrote a letter criticizing Trump's foreign policy and proposed policies on citizenship.

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What they’re saying

“Donald Trump is desecrating the office of President of the United States. A day doesn't go by that he doesn't say or do something that at the very least is inappropriate or embarrassing and at the worst is dangerous and world shattering.”

— Kathie Schlemm

“Under President Trump, we have not only lost the respect of our once loyal allies, we are becoming conditioned to the daily lies and subterfuges coming from the top, losing all respect for our own elected officials who show little leadership in opposing the president's vile rhetoric, his disparagement of the immigrants as a whole, his war mongering, etc.”

— Phyllis Carey

“If Trump succeeds in doing away with birthright citizenship, even presenting a birth certificate, like the proposed and misleadingly named SAVE America Act will not prove citizenship.”

— William Boyd

The takeaway

These letters underscore the deep divisions and concerns over the direction of the country under Trump's leadership, with calls for Congress and voters to take action to restore America's democratic values and global standing.