This is unprecedented, unchecked expansion of executive power. He is attacking all possible limits on his power.
Gutting the civil service has never been done, since it was established in the late 19 century. It was there to avoid the "spoils system" that had functioned poorly. But he convinced his followers that there was a "deep state" and got rid of anyone who might push back.
Declaring emergencies is a great way to expand executive power. He controls our tariffs only because he declared an "emergency" - the Commerce Clause in the constitution clearly gives that power to the Congress. So Trump just declares an emergency and takes it over. He is deploying troops to the border under the same "emergency" declaration.
Freeing the 1/6 militia is not what the
Blatant illegality - what he is doing to USAID is not legal. When Congress appropriates money, Treasury MUST cut the check. But he does not care.
The whole DOGE thing - having 20something zealots with no security checks firing people - ought to scare everyone.
Democracy depends on norms and restraint. The cult will never admit it, since the Dear Leader can do no wrong, but THIS IS HOW A DICTATOR WOULD ACT.
Maybe you think that, deep down, he is not a tyrant. But we all should recognize that, if he were, this is what he would do.
Link: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/02/trump-musk-congress-constitution/681568/
