President Donald Trump is facing several key tests of power this week, including a crucial Supreme Court case on tariffs, elections that will reveal voters’ moods, and a prolonged government shutdown. The president’s unilateral approach to governance has been challenged by legislative and electoral bodies, raising concerns about his ability to wield influence.
On Monday, Trump lashed out at Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani for the New York City mayoral election, threatening to withhold federal funds if he wins. This move is part of a larger effort by Trump to use social media to endorse candidates in Tuesday’s elections and shape public opinion.
The Supreme Court will hear a case on Wednesday regarding the legality of Trump’s tariffs on major U.S. trading partners. The president has argued that these tariffs have strengthened the economy and improved the country’s standing in the world, but some economists have disputed this claim.
Trump also faces the prospect of an extended government shutdown if his standoff with congressional Democrats continues. This could become the longest and most painful government shutdown in history, with recent polling showing Americans increasingly blaming Trump for the crisis.
Experts say that these events present a significant challenge to Trump’s governance style, which has been marked by unilateralism. The Supreme Court case, elections, and government shutdown all serve as checks on presidential power, raising concerns about Trump’s ability to wield influence without legislative or electoral oversight.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/03/us/politics/trump-mamdani-tariffs-shutdown.html