Long Live The King? Trump Grabs For Power

In his first few weeks in office, Donald Trump has already taken numerous steps to rework the U.S. government, reverting many laws protecting citizens in his quest to become a dictator. 

His first series of executive orders aimed at ending DEI programs in all corners of the government, withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and ordering mass deportations of immigrants. 

America’s system of checks and balances is supposed to ensure the president can’t take uncontrolled advantage of his position — but Trump has already been able to assume the Oval Office despite criminal charges. Trump’s success in obtaining power has prompted citizens to wonder if he’ll really be able to follow through on his ostensibly self-serving plans. 

Since most major government policies need congressional approval, it seems unlikely Trump can carry out his most extreme promises, like the removal of DEI organizations from government spaces. But according to Kim Darrah, a contributor for World Finance, the president’s power has fluctuated substantially between administrations, allowing them to make orders without Congress’ support.

“Roosevelt, for example, issued a massive 3,522 executive orders over the course of his presidency,” Darrah wrote. “Nixon, in comparison, issued 346, Bush 291, and Obama 276.”

But the president’s ability to issue orders without Congress depends on the content and scope of the executive order itself, meaning presidents can’t simply change the law unilaterally. 

For example, Congress delegated some heightened executive power through the Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917, giving the president the ability to single-handedly deal with the importation of goods during natural emergencies — without needing to consult Congress. 

Trump’s variation from past presidents, however, comes from the nature of his orders. He only intends to benefit himself. By deporting undocumented immigrants, he isn’t protecting the American people — he’s tearing apart innocent families in a drastic move to expand his own following and consolidate power. 

The reason Trump may seem to hold more power than past presidents is the make-up of his government. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have slim Republican majorities after the November election, and the Supreme Court currently has a conservative supermajority. 

Trump is one of only three presidents since WWII to have their party control both houses of Congress and have a friendly supermajority in the Supreme Court, according to The Guardian. With this configuration, Trump seems to know he’ll be able to execute his boldest plan without pushback. 

Trump’s control of every area of government will undoubtedly be the reason he’s able to execute his agenda. Though it isn’t guaranteed legislators and judges agree with Trump’s every move, signs of their support have been shown — like through Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth. 

Hegseth was proposed by Trump for secretary of defense — a controversial choice due to his lack of experience, alleged alcohol abuse and sexual assault, according to NPR. But when this nomination was brought to a vote for approval, there was no hesitation from Republicans, and Hegseth was confirmed. 

The reason Trump will be able to tear apart the country isn’t because he’s a strong and brilliant mastermind. It’s because he’s been able to stack his government with those who fear disobeying him or are too egotistical to remove themselves from the chance of greater power — even if it’s coated in dishonor. 

Trump’s most recent display of power is an image he posted on X. In it, he’s depicted in front of the New York skyline, wearing a crown with his name in large letters and the words “LONG LIVE THE KING.” With so many government officials and public figures on his side, Trump is well aware he can get away with such a blatant show of narcissism.  

If continued, this cooperation from all branches will be exactly how Trump asserts his every whim. He’s on the road to breaking the tradition of the U.S. government, dismantling its standards of inclusion and creating a dictatorship where he’ll benefit at the expense of the American people.