How Trump is Using Government Power to Settle Personal Grudges

The Trump Doctrine: Weaponizing Government Power

President Donald Trump, a former casino owner with a keen eye for deals, often uses poker as a metaphor to describe his approach to politics. “We have much bigger and better cards than they do,” he said of China last month. In June, he claimed, “we have every single one” when comparing the U.S. to Canada. And during a tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this year, he famously told him, “You don’t have the cards.”

This analogy reflects Trump’s worldview, where power is seen as a game of strategy and control. Since entering his second term in the White House, he has been accumulating influence, using it to advance his interests and target those who oppose him.

A New Era of Government Power

Trump’s administration has taken a bold approach to wielding government power. From the moment he took office, he began mobilizing federal resources to support his agenda. This high-velocity push has included a wide range of actions, from deploying federal agents and National Guard troops in Washington to threatening similar moves in cities led by Democrats.

He has also targeted key institutions and individuals, including:

• Football teams: Threatening to block stadium plans unless they rebrand their names.
• Law firms: Revoking security clearances and limiting access to government facilities.
• Universities: Cutting research funds and blocking international students.
• Media organizations: Securing settlements through lawsuits that many considered weak.
• Prosecutors: Firing or reassigning those involved in cases against him.

These actions have raised concerns about the use of government power to suppress opposition and advance political goals.

The Role of Loyal Supporters

Trump’s base has largely supported his aggressive tactics. David N. Smith, a sociologist at the University of Kansas, notes that many supporters see the use of government power as essential to their cultural and political agendas. They were initially upset when the state was used to restrain Trump but now welcome its use to fight what they perceive as a culture war.

White House spokesperson Harrison Fields defended these actions, calling them a necessary exercise of power. “What the nation is witnessing today is the execution of the most consequential administration in American history,” he said.

The Limits of Power

Despite his efforts, Trump has faced challenges in fully controlling the government. Steven Lukes, a professor emeritus at New York University, argues that Trump exemplifies three dimensions of power: shaping preferences, determining topics of discussion, and using fear and intimidation. His innovation, according to Lukes, is “epistemic liberation” — the ability to make up facts without evidence.

However, the U.S. government is not omnipotent. Trump learned this during his first term, when constitutional limits, laws, and court rulings constrained his actions. In his second term, he has managed to bypass many of these barriers, though not all.

Trump’s Campaign Against Weaponization

During his 2024 campaign, Trump positioned himself as a victim of a “vicious persecution” by the Biden administration. He claimed that he wanted to harness government power rather than end it. “If you go after me, I’m coming after you!” he wrote on Truth Social.

Despite these threats, Trump largely backed off as the election approached. After winning, he declared an end to government weaponization, claiming that no president should be charged with crimes while in office. However, his actions since taking office suggest otherwise.

A Full Circle of Power

Trump’s first act in his new term was to issue pardons or commutations for over 1,500 people convicted in connection with the January 6th Capitol attack. He claimed this ended the “weaponization” of government against political opponents.

Yet, just months later, he signed an order targeting a prominent law firm representing Democrats and directed the Justice Department to investigate officials from his first administration. This suggests that the cycle of government power continues, with few restraints on Trump’s aggressive instincts.

Conclusion

Trump’s use of government power has sparked significant debate. While some view it as a necessary tool for advancing political goals, others see it as a dangerous precedent. As he continues to wield influence, the balance between power and accountability remains a critical issue for American democracy.