North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, casting an early ballot for Kamala Harris, spoke critically of Donald Trump’s approach, expressing fears that a second Trump presidency could bring unprecedented changes to U.S. democracy. Following his vote at Raleigh’s John Chavis Memorial Park, Cooper highlighted stakes he sees in the upcoming election, particularly for reproductive rights and democratic stability.
“This election is more than just about our bank accounts. Women’s reproductive freedom is on the line, too, the freedom to make decisions about your own body. Donald Trump took that freedom away, and he’s ready to do more,” Cooper said, pointing to Trump's Supreme Court appointees and conservative influence as catalysts for limiting abortion access.
Cooper appealed to undecided voters, acknowledging that some may find faults with both candidates. But, he argued, Trump’s “darker and darker threats” should give pause to anyone on the fence. The governor’s concerns echo those of democracy experts cited by The New York Times, who have noted Trump's rhetoric on the campaign trail, particularly his mention of “the enemy within,” a term he has used to refer to certain liberal activists and politicians.
According to Cooper, Trump’s priorities remain self-serving and aligned with the interests of a wealthy elite. He referenced comments from former close allies of Trump, including ex-chief of staff John Kelly, who has voiced apprehension about Trump’s leadership style, drawing comparisons to authoritarian tendencies. “Just listen to the ultra-conservative people who worked for him,” Cooper said. “They say he should not be president again; he puts himself above the Constitution. He is dangerous to our country.”
Further underscoring his warning, Cooper suggested Trump’s leadership style would likely be different in a second term, hinting at a more loyalist administration focused on Trump’s agenda over constitutional safeguards. “This time, Donald Trump will not make the same mistake of hiring people who put the Constitution first. He will hire people this time who are solely devoted to him and who will do anything he wants them to do,” Cooper warned.