In recent years, political discourse in the United States has become increasingly polarized, with accusations and counterclaims of attempts to undermine democracy coming from all sides. One of the most vocal and prominent commentators in this space, Greg Gutfeld, has emerged as a sharp critic of what he and others on the right have referred to as a “coup” orchestrated by the Democratic Party. In his view, the Democrats’ attempts to wrest control from the Trump administration have been unsuccessful, despite the media frenzy and subsequent political fallout.
Gutfeld, a host on Fox News’ Gutfeld! and a known provocateur, has consistently expressed his belief that the Democrats, in their efforts to challenge Donald Trump’s legitimacy, have overplayed their hand, resulting in a backlash rather than the hoped-for result. From the early days of Trump’s presidency, accusations of Russian interference in the 2016 election sparked investigations that Gutfeld and many others viewed as politically motivated, designed not just to expose wrongdoing but to delegitimize the sitting president.
The term “coup” has been used in political discourse, though often provocatively, to describe the opposition’s efforts to derail or remove a president. For Gutfeld, the narrative pushed by Democrats of Trump’s so-called ties to Russia and allegations of collusion was part of a broader effort to undermine his administration. What began as an attempt to create a political crisis snowballed into the Russia investigation, impeachment proceedings, and continuous public attacks on Trump’s character and decisions. For Gutfeld, these actions didn’t represent a legitimate desire for accountability, but rather a partisan assault designed to create chaos.
One key element of Gutfeld’s argument is the failure of the efforts to bring Trump down. Despite the sustained media coverage and calls for impeachment, the eventual outcomes were not as the Democrats had hoped. The Mueller Report, after years of investigation, concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russian government. The first impeachment, which revolved around accusations that Trump abused his power by pressuring Ukraine to launch an investigation into his political rival, Joe Biden, ended in acquittal by the Senate. Even the second impeachment, spurred by the January 6 Capitol riot, failed to remove him from office, further solidifying Gutfeld’s argument that the Democrats’ coup attempts were ineffective.
Moreover, Gutfeld contends that the media played an indispensable role in amplifying these accusations. He often criticizes the mainstream media for its role in promoting narratives that align with Democratic interests, from Russia-gate to the handling of the 2020 election. According to him, the media’s relentless focus on Trump’s alleged misdeeds not only failed to result in his downfall but also backfired by solidifying his base’s support, creating a sense of victimization that fueled Trump’s political survival.
Another important point Gutfeld raises is the broader impact of these events on the American electorate. The constant barrage of attacks on Trump, his policies, and his supporters may have initially seemed like a way to fracture his political strength. However, it’s arguable that they only served to unite his base, while also provoking a reactionary populism in response to what was perceived as an elitist political establishment’s efforts to thwart a duly elected president.
Ultimately, Gutfeld’s assessment is that the Democrats’ efforts to remove or delegitimize Trump through a combination of investigations, media campaigns, and impeachments failed to achieve their objective. While the Democratic Party succeeded in eventually winning the White House in 2020, the broader narrative surrounding Trump’s presidency—and his legacy—remains controversial and divisive. To Gutfeld, this signifies that the so-called “coup” may have failed, but the political and cultural battles that followed will continue to shape America’s future.
