A New Era of Executive Power: Understanding Trump’s Second Term Actions

Introduction: A Swift and Decisive Start

President Donald Trump’s second term has begun with a series of swift and decisive actions that have raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. In his first few weeks, Trump has moved aggressively to dismantle key oversight mechanisms within the federal government. These actions include the removal of top officials from offices responsible for government ethics and whistleblower complaints, a pause on enforcing a law that prohibits U.S. companies from bribing foreign governments, and the firing of multiple inspectors general tasked with uncovering waste, fraud, and abuse. These moves have been carried out with a sense of defiance, signaling a clear intent to consolidate executive power and reduce accountability.

Cleaning House: The Removal of Government Watchdogs

One of the most striking aspects of Trump’s early actions has been his targeting of government watchdogs. Inspectors general, who are independent officials tasked with overseeing government agencies and rooting out misconduct, have been a particular focus. Trump has fired more than a dozen of these officials, including those leading the Defense Department and the intelligence community. This purge has been carried out with little explanation and in apparent violation of a law requiring Congress to be given 30 days’ notice before such firings. The decision to remove these officials has drawn sharp criticism from transparency advocates, who argue that it undermines the ability of the government to hold itself accountable.

Rewriting the Rules: Ethics and Accountability in the Crosshairs

In addition to targeting individual officials, Trump has also taken aim at the rules and institutions designed to ensure ethical governance. For example, he has paused enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, a decades-old law that prohibits U.S. companies from bribing foreign government officials to win business. The administration has framed this move as an effort to level the playing field for American companies, but critics argue that it sends a troubling message about the acceptability of corporate corruption. Trump has also rolled back restrictions on the "revolving door" between government service and lobbying, making it easier for individuals to move between roles in government and the private sector. These changes have been seen as a direct challenge to the principles of ethical governance that have long underpinned the federal bureaucracy.

The Justice System: A Tool for Retribution?

Perhaps most concerning, however, has been the Trump administration’s apparent use of the Justice Department as a tool for political retribution. The department has moved to drop charges against high-profile figures, including New York Mayor Eric Adams, who was accused of accepting bribes, and has fired prosecutors involved in investigations into Trump’s own conduct. These actions have led to accusations that Trump is using the Justice Department to protect himself and his allies from accountability. The decision to demand a list of agents involved in investigations related to the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol has only added to these concerns, suggesting that Trump is intent on purging the Justice Department of anyone he perceives as disloyal.

A Pattern of Behavior: Continuity and Escalation

While Trump’s actions in his second term may seem shocking, they represent a continuation and escalation of patterns established during his first term. As president, Trump repeatedly tested the boundaries of executive power, challenging the independence of the judiciary, the media, and Congress. He fired key officials, including FBI Director James Comey and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who were seen as standing in the way of his agenda. Now, with a second term, Trump appears to be taking these efforts to the next level, moving with unprecedented speed and brazenness to dismantle the guardrails that are designed to prevent abuse of power.

The Broader Implications: A Threat to Democratic Norms

The implications of Trump’s actions extend far beyond the specific policies or personnel decisions. His efforts to consolidate power and reduce accountability represent a direct threat to the democratic norms that have long governed American politics. By targeting government watchdogs, rewriting ethics rules, and using the Justice Department as a tool for retribution, Trump is fundamentally reshaping the relationship between the executive branch and the other institutions of government. This has led to widespread concern among historians, legal experts, and transparency advocates, who warn that Trump’s actions could have long-term consequences for the health of American democracy. As the administration continues to push the boundaries of executive power, the question on many minds is: where will it stop?