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President Trump’s arbitrary decision to temporarily lift tariffs highlights a critical failure of the U.S. system of checks and balances. Congress, the Cabinet, and the courts have all failed to effectively restrain the president’s unilateral actions, allowing him to wield unchecked power with potentially devastating economic and societal consequences. This situation exemplifies the dangers of concentrated executive power and underscores the vital role of legislative and judicial branches in preventing tyranny. The episode serves as a stark warning against the allure of authoritarianism and the necessity of robust democratic institutions.
Following President Trump’s abrupt U-turn on tariffs, Fox News hosts lauded his decision as a strategic masterstroke, claiming it was “the plan all along” and a decisive victory for America. While some hosts portrayed the move as weakening China’s economic power, others, like Charles Gasparino, suggested the decision was a response to a struggling bond market, contradicting the White House’s narrative. The president himself attributed the tariff pause to calming anxieties among Americans, while simultaneously increasing tariffs on Chinese imports to 125 percent, provoking retaliation from Beijing. This action escalated the trade war between the US and China.
Following President Trump’s imposition of tariffs, resulting in market volatility and retaliatory measures from China and the European Union, he urged supporters on Truth Social to “BE COOL,” prompting widespread online mockery. Users highlighted the significant financial impacts of the tariffs, citing increased costs and declining retirement accounts. Countermeasures from China, including 84% tariffs on US goods, further destabilized markets, causing significant drops in the Dow Jones and S&P 500. Despite this, Trump maintains his stance, citing a supportive business executive while that same executive simultaneously predicted a recession as a likely outcome.
President Trump’s newly implemented 10% universal tariffs on all imports took effect Saturday, prompting a significant market downturn and widespread protests. Despite the economic fallout, including a double-digit drop in major market indices, Trump urged Americans to “hang tough,” predicting ultimate economic victory. He simultaneously played golf for the second consecutive day, while China retaliated with its own reciprocal tariffs. Trump claims these measures are necessary to revitalize American manufacturing and level the global playing field.
Despite President Trump’s repeated claims of a strong mandate, a new AP-NORC poll reveals widespread disapproval of his handling of key issues. Majorities disapprove of his approach to trade, the economy, and foreign policy challenges, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Even his strongest area, immigration, shows a near-even split of approval and disapproval. This contrasts sharply with the administration’s narrative, particularly given policy shifts contradicting campaign promises regarding economic costs.
In an NBC News interview, President Trump refused to dismiss the possibility of a third term, despite constitutional limitations. He stated that various methods exist to achieve this, citing his high poll numbers and the desire of many allies for his continued leadership. While acknowledging the unlikelihood, Trump asserted he was serious about exploring options, including a scenario involving Vice President Vance. The interview follows previous comments and aligns with actions by allies suggesting a strategy to circumvent the 22nd Amendment.
Since his reelection, President Trump has aggressively consolidated executive power, undermining checks and balances and disregarding legal norms, actions widely viewed as a march towards authoritarianism. His administration has defied court orders, purged dissenters from key positions, and engaged in widespread violations of civil liberties, including mass deportations and arbitrary detentions. This has been met with some legal challenges and limited resistance, despite warnings from critics about the erosion of democratic institutions. The outcome of this ongoing struggle remains uncertain, with both optimism and concern expressed regarding the future of American democracy.
Donald Trump’s current net approval rating is historically low, marking the worst performance of any president in over 70 years, aside from his first term. His rating has plummeted from +7 in January 2025 to -2 currently, a decline reflected across multiple major polling sources. This negative approval extends across most key policy areas, with only immigration showing positive sentiment. While slightly better than his first term’s performance at this juncture, his standing is drastically worse than any other president at a comparable point in their presidency.
President Trump’s actions, from using the White House lawn for personal gain to undermining democratic institutions, directly contradict the historical understanding of the presidency as a position of public service. Statements from former Presidents Obama, Roosevelt, and Truman emphasize the president’s role as a servant of the people, not a self-serving monarch. Trump’s disregard for ethical conduct and accountability, coupled with his attacks on independent agencies, further highlight this fundamental breach of trust. Ultimately, the American people are responsible for holding their elected officials accountable to uphold democratic principles.
John Q. Hosedrinker