Donald Trump’s Actions During His Second Presidential Term
This article examines how Donald Trump, during his second term, has systematically weakened the system of checks and balances. At the core of this effort is a legal settlement creating a $1.8 billion fund to combat weapons proliferation. According to the authors, this deal effectively blocks investigations and provides financial incentives for loyal supporters. Other key actions include firing prosecutors, closing cases, pardoning those convicted for the Capitol riot, and leveraging a Supreme Court ruling to shield the president from accountability.
The Settlement and Its Consequences
Donald Trump reached a settlement with his own administration during his second term to establish a fund aimed at curbing weapons proliferation. This agreement stemmed from a lawsuit Trump filed against the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, demanding $10 billion. The terms of the settlement shield Trump, his family, and his businesses from tax audits and effectively prohibit any federal civil claims against them. The fund created is nearly $1.8 billion in size. The U.S. Department of Justice, under Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, is using taxpayer money to finance this fund.
Trump’s actions also include rolling back transparency rules established after the Watergate scandal in the 1970s. Early in his second term, he fired several inspectors general, raising concerns about undermining the independence of executive branch oversight bodies. The Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel issued a memo stating that the president is no longer required to comply with the Presidential Records Act. In 2023, the Supreme Court issued a ruling granting absolute criminal immunity for official presidential acts, further strengthening Trump’s position.
Notable developments include the dismissal of prosecutors handling the case related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, as well as the closure of the contempt of Congress case against former Trump advisor Steve Bannon. Trump also pardoned individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 events, drawing widespread criticism. In this context, it is worth noting that criminal charges were brought against James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
These actions have alarmed experts. Adam Zimmerman noted that
“this creates powerful financial incentives to refuse cooperation with future investigations,”while Doug Letter emphasized that
“Trump’s actions completely dismantle the constitutional limits in place.”Overall, Donald Trump’s conduct during his second term underscores a trend toward reducing checks and balances in the U.S. governance system.
These events highlight the complexity of the U.S. political landscape and the potential consequences for the country’s legal system. The erosion of checks and balances could have serious implications for democratic institutions and judicial independence. Given that Trump remains a powerful figure in American politics, his actions may have a lasting impact on the political landscape in the years ahead.
As Trump continues to consolidate power, his recent actions have also included a significant purge of disloyal Republicans, a move that underlines his strategy to strengthen his position ahead of upcoming elections. This aggressive approach not only reshapes the political landscape but also raises questions about the future of the Republican Party. To explore how these changes impact the party and the electoral process, read more about Trump's purge of disloyal party members.