The mess in Washington, which refers to the chaotic and dysfunctional state of the US political system, has many synonyms. One alternative term is "the swamp," a pejorative term used by former President Donald Trump to characterize the perceived corruption and self-serving behavior of politicians and bureaucrats. Other synonyms include "the morass," "the quagmire," and "the cesspool," which all suggest a sense of stagnation and filth. More neutral terms may include "political turmoil," "gridlock," or "instability," which emphasize the lack of progress and indecision in the nation's capital. Whatever the term used, the ongoing challenges facing American democracy demand attention and action.