President Donald Trump is expanding his use of executive authority, pursuing hardline policies that are reshaping domestic politics while igniting domestic and international controversy.
Over the weekend, Trump reposted a meme on his social media platform threatening to wage war on Chicago, indicating that he intends to expand immigration and crime crackdowns to another Democratic city. Critics were outraged by the move, but supporters saw it as a sign of his strength. The post emphasized Trump’s practice of using presidential power as a personal tool rather than a limited constitutional mandate.
A New Phase in the Administration
Eight months into his second term, Trump’s approach has already put institutions under strain. Courts have scrambled to keep up with legal challenges, while Democrats continue to struggle for effective opposition. Governors such as California’s Gavin Newsom and Illinois’ JB Pritzker are becoming more vocal, using their opposition to Trump to boost their own political profiles.
Trump’s administration also faced legal setbacks last week, including rulings against his National Guard deployment and use of the Alien Enemies Act. A pending Supreme Court decision on his tariff policy could force the government to refund billions of dollars, a risk described by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as “terrible.”
Friday’s jobs report showed unemployment rising to 4.3% and slow job creation. Trump’s tariffs have had a significant impact on manufacturing, raising concerns about whether his trade policies are harming rather than benefiting the economy. Critics believe the promise of a revived industrial sector is becoming increasingly unrealistic.
Meanwhile, grocery prices remain high despite administration promises of relief, creating a schism with ordinary voters. Economic strain could threaten Trump’s base if conditions worsen, even as his allies try to spin the numbers.
Health and Foreign Policy Pressures
Public health is also uncertain. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. clashed with lawmakers last week over vaccines, raising concerns about policy rollbacks ahead of winter. On the foreign policy front, Trump’s diplomatic efforts with Russia appear to have stalled. A failed summit with Vladimir Putin was quickly followed by the largest air assault on Kyiv since the conflict began, raising questions about Moscow’s intentions.
Despite setbacks, Trump’s base continues to support his combative approach. Supporters frequently interpret his defiance of institutions as a sign of strength, and his congressional allies have little interest in reining him in. National Guard deployments, drug cartel crackdowns, and incendiary rhetoric maintain his image as a fighter, even as critics point out potential constitutional violations.
Still, Trump’s approval rating is in the low to mid 40s. While not catastrophic, it leaves little room for error as economic conditions threaten to erode voter confidence ahead of the midterm elections.
