In his first campaign ad of 2024, President Joe Biden asked the question over images of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Jan. 6 rioters: “What will we do to maintain our democracy? History’s watching.” For one last month, Biden retains the responsibilities and powers of the nation’s highest office. If he believes his words, he must take urgent action to strengthen our democracy, even as he works to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. Ben Olinsky. President-elect Donald Trump has made little secret of his desire for unchecked power, whether to be a dictator on day one, weaponize the Department of Justice against perceived enemies, or strip broadcast licenses from disfavored media outlets.