The recent actions by the Trump administration demonstrate its disregard for the rule of law and democratic institutions. Former DOJ lawyer Erez Reuveni shared a 60 Minutes story about how the administration ignored federal court orders, including ordering planes carrying migrants to depart with or without due process. This incident highlights the administration’s willingness to defy the law and disregard the careers of officials who refuse to cooperate.
The Trump administration has also been accused of lying to judges on multiple occasions. Just Security reports over 35 cases where judges have said the government is deceiving them. One judge warned that trust in the judiciary has been lost in just weeks.
This behavior is a betrayal of the public’s trust and undermines the democratic system. It is particularly egregious given the administration’s ongoing shutdown, which has left vital public servants without pay. At the same time, work on Trump’s 90,000-square-foot ballroom project continues, with demolition crews tearing down parts of the historic White House.
The administration’s actions are not only a threat to the rule of law but also a symbol of its destruction of democratic institutions. The White House has been shut down for 20 days due to the ongoing shutdown, and Trump’s promise that the project will not interfere with the current building is not being kept.
Source: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/october-20-2025