Opinion

Trump must be held to account

THE demagoguery, dissension and dishonesty that have been hallmarks of Donald Trump's tenure as President of the United States reached its inevitable conclusion in the extraordinary insurrection in Washington DC late on Wednesday.

A mob, incited by the president himself, stormed the US Capitol while elected representatives were carrying out the solemn duty of confirming Joe Biden as the next president.

This formal process, near-sacred in the context of the nation's constitutional tradition, is part of the peaceful transition of power that is a feature not only of US democracy but of democracies around the world.

Since losing the election in November to Mr Biden, President Trump has mounted a relentless attack on the foundations of his own country's electoral system.

He has wounded the legitimacy of the poll at every turn, insisting that he in fact won the vote and should remain in the White House.

Anyone who disagrees is condemned as part of the conspiracy President Trump sees around him, or being in thrall to the 'fake news' media he rails against.

Any faint hopes that President Trump would leave the White House with an iota of decorum were swamped long ago in a torrent of concocted law suits, unsubstantiated allegations and unashamed attempts to tamper with the outcome of the election, such as pressuring Georgia's secretary of state to overturn that state's result.

There is still time before Mr Biden's inauguration on January 20 for President Trump to sow even more division.

But there is also time for the US Congress to hold him to account. Impeachment or some other sort of censure may be possible.

That could, of course, enhance Mr Trump's martyr complex and further inflame his supporters, some of whom are clearly prepared to resort to violence.

Yet what will it say about democracy in the United States in 2021 if the very institution violated by the pro-Trump rioters won't itself hold to account a president who attempted to thwart the election of his successor?

Those who have enabled and backed Mr Trump must also examine themselves. These exist not only in the Republican party; DUP figures in particular have feted Mr Trump and his brand of politics.

The episode demonstrates the challenge ahead of Mr Biden if he is sincere about healing the divisions in the US.

But it is also a reminder of the need to be constantly vigilant to attacks on democracy, whether in Hong Kong or Washington DC.