The 250th anniversary of America’s liberation from a king has kicked off with a campaign-style rally on the National Mall by President Donald Trump. His presidency has been marked by controversy, with some critics accusing him of wielding power like a monarch.
Expanding Presidential Power
Trump has nominated one of his personal lawyers to serve as attorney general, ordered the Department of Justice to pursue his political enemies, and deployed the U.S. Marines to the nation’s second-largest city. He has also used the presidency to enrich himself and his family, launching cryptocurrencies and filing a private $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS.
The Supreme Court’s conservative majority has enabled Trump’s approach, siding with him numerous times after lower court rulings hampered him. However, the court has also demonstrated that presidential power has its limits, slapping down his global tariffs and allowing a Federal Reserve governor to remain on the board while it considers a case.
Concerns About Authoritarianism
Trump’s actions have led to comparisons with King George III, the British monarch whose rule inspired the American Revolution. While Trump rejects the label, his critics argue that his approach to power is reminiscent of a monarch. Historian Julian Zelizer said that Trump’s financial entanglements might be the most monarchical part of his administration.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
