Donald Trump has been portrayed by critics as someone who often displays his political power in a very visible and deliberate way.
They argue that he tends to surround himself with cabinet members and officials who publicly show strong loyalty to him, while also criticising world leaders who lose his favour. Some also say he has used pressure on large US companies to align with his political goals.
As he approaches the middle of his second term in the White House, Trump has been quoted saying there are “no limits” to his power. Critics see this as conflicting with the foundations of the American political system, which was built 250 years ago on the rejection of monarchical rule.
Opponents believe his style goes against the ideas of the country’s founders, who created a system meant to prevent any single leader from having king-like authority.
These concerns have led to protests in the US and other countries, with people gathering under slogans such as “No Kings” and “Democracy Not Monarchy,” calling for stronger limits on presidential power.
Critics also claim that he has expanded presidential authority in ways previous leaders avoided, including military actions without clear congressional approval and limited consultation with lawmakers on operations involving Nicolás Maduro.
Donald Trump has also been criticised for his use of emergency powers to advance major policy decisions, including the imposition of global trade tariffs without passing new legislation. This approach was later challenged, with the Supreme Court ruling the move unconstitutional.
Opponents further allege that he has used the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute political or personal adversaries, including former FBI Director James Comey. Critics argue this undermines the long-standing separation between the White House and federal prosecutors, a principle strengthened in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal under President Richard Nixon.
Responding to criticism linked to the “No Kings” protests, Trump recently rejected the comparison, saying: “I don’t feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get things approved.”
Despite controversy, Trump was elected on a platform promising major changes across US policy, including immigration, trade, and foreign relations. Many voters who supported him in the 2024 election expected significant and rapid reform.
Public opinion remains sharply divided. Recent YouGov polling suggests that around four in five Republicans approve of his performance in office. However, his overall approval among all US voters has fallen below 40%, a noticeable decline compared with the start of his second term.
Historic figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin are believed to have once discussed constitutional ideas in the Middleton Tavern, a historic seaside pub in Annapolis, Maryland that predates the United States itself. The tavern maintains that all three men drank there during the early years of the new republic.
It was in this setting that Lorraine Ross, who was celebrating her 60th birthday, reflected on her feelings about the country’s anniversary. While she said she wanted to take part in the celebrations, she also expressed concern about the nation’s direction.
She explained that she did not feel inclined to simply celebrate patriotically without reservations, saying she had serious worries about current policies, including reductions in financial assistance for vulnerable families and children with special needs. She also criticised Congress, arguing that it had allowed the president to act without sufficient restraint.
Other visitors at the tavern shared a different perspective, saying they were mainly looking forward to Fourth of July celebrations, which the current administration has promoted as being larger and more festive than in previous years.
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