During his second term’s first 100 days, President Trump displayed a disregard for established legal principles. He expressed reservations about the notion of a government ruled by law, asserting that individuals, specifically “honest men” like himself, play a crucial role in administering it. Simultaneously, his administration actively pursued policies, including reinterpreting wartime powers for mass deportations and defying court orders, that prioritized his agenda over established legal processes. These actions, coupled with his comments on potentially circumventing legal limitations for a third term, reveal a pattern of prioritizing executive will over the rule of law.
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The American constitutional system relies on the self-interest of its leaders to prevent tyranny, as Madison argued in Federalist 51. Initially, a lack of ambition among politicians led to a reluctance to challenge the president. However, a recent shift is evident, with ambition resurfacing as demonstrated by Senator Van Hollen’s visit to El Salvador to meet with a victim of the Trump administration’s policies, highlighting a renewed willingness to confront executive power. This signals a potential return to a more robust system of checks and balances.
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A new report reveals a global decline in democracies, with autocracies now outnumbering them for the first time in two decades. The United States, currently classified as a liberal democracy, faces potential reclassification due to unprecedented actions by President Trump, including pardoning supporters, ignoring laws, and defying court orders. Experts warn that Trump’s rapid erosion of democratic norms mirrors actions of other authoritarian leaders, but at an accelerated pace. The judiciary’s response to Trump’s actions, particularly concerning his defiance of court orders, will be crucial in determining the future of American democracy. The speed and scope of these actions have prompted concerns that the U.S. could soon become an electoral autocracy.
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A recent Bright Line Watch survey of over 500 political scientists reveals a significant consensus: the United States is rapidly transitioning away from liberal democracy towards competitive authoritarianism. This decline, marked by a precipitous drop in American democracy’s rating from 67 to 55 between November and February, is attributed to actions perceived as eroding checks and balances, targeting the media and academia, and punishing dissent. While some scholars dispute this assessment, citing the use of legitimate presidential powers, many cite specific examples mirroring tactics used in countries like Hungary and Turkey. Although concerns remain, some believe the U.S. system’s resilience, coupled with Trump’s lack of overwhelming popular support, may prevent a complete shift to autocracy.
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Bill Maher’s recent White House visit, which included a private tour with President Trump and Steve Bannon, led to Maher’s surprisingly positive assessment of the president. This sparked debate, with some interpreting Maher’s experience as evidence of Trump’s ability to present a facade of normalcy, while others dismissed it as delusion. The article further highlights Trump’s increasingly authoritarian actions, including defying court orders, silencing critical voices, and cozying up to authoritarian leaders like El Salvador’s President Bukele. These actions, coupled with the escalating political climate and economic downturn, paint a grim picture of the Trump administration. The author ultimately expresses deep concern over Trump’s behavior and its implications for American democracy.
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This newsletter provides crucial insights into the implications of a potential Trump second term on various sectors, including Washington, business, and global affairs. A key focus is tracking the impact of US tariffs and trade policies, offering up-to-date information on executive orders and their consequences. Furthermore, comprehensive and unbiased coverage of US politics and policy ensures readers remain informed about the latest developments. Readers can stay informed on the evolving political and economic landscape under a potential second Trump term. Access is free.
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The Trump administration openly defied a unanimous Supreme Court order to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, wrongly deported to El Salvador, to the U.S. Despite the court mandating the administration “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s release and ensure his case proceeds as if he hadn’t been improperly deported, Trump and Bukele refused compliance. The administration misrepresented the ruling, claiming it only required providing transportation if Bukele chose to release Abrego Garcia, while falsely alleging Abrego Garcia’s MS-13 affiliation despite a judge finding his testimony credible. This defiance, enabled by ambiguous Supreme Court wording, has led to a judge ordering daily updates and considering contempt charges against the administration.
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Early American colonists vehemently opposed Britain’s practice of transporting convicts to the colonies and the subsequent trial of colonial defendants in England. This opposition is reflected in the Declaration of Independence’s grievances and likely influenced the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, including exile. James Madison strongly condemned deportation, even of non-citizens, highlighting the cruelty inherent in such banishment, particularly when considering the loss of property and connections. Given Madison’s views, the prospect of a U.S. government exiling its own citizens would likely have been seen as exceptionally egregious.
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The New York Times’ assertion that the courts won’t stop Trump and his ilk is a chilling reflection of a deeply unsettling reality. It’s a statement that resonates with a growing sense of powerlessness, a feeling that the established mechanisms of accountability are failing us.
This isn’t merely a partisan concern; it speaks to a fundamental erosion of trust in institutions. The perception that the legal system is rigged, that justice is selectively applied, is a corrosive force that threatens the very fabric of democracy. It’s a belief fueled by a perceived double standard, where seemingly minor transgressions by ordinary citizens lead to harsh consequences, while egregious actions by the powerful go largely unpunished.… Continue reading
Following the imposition of sweeping tariffs, President Trump’s response to the ensuing economic turmoil involved golfing, fundraising events, and defiant pronouncements. His actions, marked by erratic decision-making and disregard for conventional responses, drew comparisons to historical figures known for detachment from their people’s suffering. While initially unwavering, Trump eventually yielded to pressure, temporarily pausing some tariffs after facing widespread criticism and market losses. This episode highlighted Trump’s governing style, characterized by impulsive actions and a seeming indifference to the consequences of his policies.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood