President Trump has taken America’s imperial presidency to unprecedented levels, embracing the trappings of royalty while expanding executive power. In his first year back in office, he has pulled out all the stops to assert dominance, from military flyovers and lavish dinners to dismantling institutions and undermining accountability.
Trump’s assertion of vast power is invigorating for his supporters, who see a strong hand as needed to counter what they perceive as a liberal deep state. However, critics view him as narcissistic, uncouth, corrupt, and a danger to American democracy. The president has used the office to enrich himself and his family, sullied the image of the United States globally, and pursued policies that harm those he purports to represent.
The system of checks and balances is being eroded, with Trump dominating the political landscape like no other president in history. His current 36% approval rating is lower than every elected modern president at the end of their first year, except for Nixon’s 29% during Watergate.
Experts warn that Trump’s unpopularity will begin to erode his power, but allies dismiss this as wishful thinking. The lack of contrary voices in the West Wing has a cost, with some Republicans saying they live in a bubble and are blindsided by reality.
As the year ends, there have been signs of resistance to unchecked power. A judge threw out Trump’s indictments against two adversaries, and Congress passed a measure slashing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel budget if he doesn’t turn over video of a second strike on a boat of supposed drug traffickers.
Historians predict that the nation’s long history of expanding presidential authority will be reversed once war or economic crisis has passed. However, it remains to be seen whether this will happen under Trump’s leadership.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/21/us/politics/trump-imperial-presidency.html