On January 6, 2021, a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, attempting to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. I remember watching the news while sitting in my Zoom biology class and thinking that this exact moment would leave an imprint on our nation forever. Four years later, in 2025, the consequences of that day still affect our society. What was at the time an unprecedented event in American history has become a starting point for deepening political polarization, the erosion of democratic norms and the fragility of American democracy. Reflecting on January 6, 2021, raises an essential question: What is at stake for U.S. democracy as we move further into this era?
At around noon on that fateful day, thousands of supporters of Former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol, overwhelming law enforcement and breaching the building. The rioters aimed to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s victory, claiming the election had been “stolen.” The insurrection resulted in five deaths, dozens of injuries, and widespread damage to the Capitol building. Hundreds of arrests followed, with numerous individuals facing charges for their role in the attack.
The fallout from January 6th is still very much part of the national conversation today. The effects are not only felt in political spheres but also in the broader social and cultural scenes.Â
The deepening division between Americans and the collective declining trust in the U.S. government can be directly correlated to the January 6th insurrection. National surveys conducted in the wake of January 6th show just how sharply divided the country remains. A 2023 Monmouth Poll revealed that almost a third of Americans still believe the 2020 election was “stolen,” despite no evidence to support this claim. In 2025, these divisions persist, with political affiliations continuing to push narratives most beneficial for their party and belief systems. According to a Pew Research Center survey from 2024, only 19% of Americans express they “trust the government to do what is right just about always/most of the time.” This is the lowest level recorded in decades.Â
The events of January 6th set a dangerous precedent for political violence and the normalization of anti-democratic rhetoric. Political scientist Robert Kagan has argued that the United States is facing a “democratic recession,” where the principles of democracy are increasingly under threat, both from within the country and abroad.Â
Since January 6th, there has been a rise in incidents of political violence and threats against public officials. According to the Anti-Defamation League, 2023 saw a 23% increase in threats made against election officials compared to the previous year.
One of the key takeaways from the January 6th insurrection is the role social media played in spreading misinformation. In 2025, the role of platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Tiktok, Facebook, and YouTube in shaping public opinion, particularly around electoral integrity, remains a contentious issue. The spread of false claims about the 2020 election was fueled by online echo chambers, where misinformation was amplified and legitimized.Â
Now, as we are entering a new year, marked by a shift in political power in the next two weeks, the big question is: what can be done?
Tackling the misinformation that continues to spread on social media platforms remains a critical issue. The U.S. may need to explore stronger regulations for tech companies to curb the spread of false claims, particularly surrounding elections. Individuals should ensure all of their information and media is coming from reliable, credible sources and they are actively pushing against confirmation bias by looking for multiple sources to confirm facts without pushing a particular narrative.Â
Fostering open dialogue with friends and family who may not hold the same beliefs, promoting media literacy, and encouraging further research on pressing political news and issues are essential for rebuilding trust in democratic institutions. Initiatives like Braver Angels seek to bridge the political divide by bringing together people from different ideological backgrounds to engage in constructive dialogue.
Reflecting on January 6th, 2021, in 2025, it’s clear that the United States is at a critical crossroads. While the country has made some progress in holding individuals accountable and addressing the underlying causes of the insurrection, much work remains to be done. What is at stake is nothing less than the future of American democracy—its ability to withstand internal and external threats, protect the integrity of its institutions, and ensure that power ultimately resides with the people, not with violent mobs or authoritarian movements.Â