President Trump has embarked on a multi-faceted war with various institutions, focusing on elite establishments that he has long resented. Rather than addressing one or two issues at a time, Trump has taken a hyper-speed approach in the first three months of his second term, shaking up the traditional model. He has surrounded himself with loyalists who support his aggressive tactics and uses Truth Social as a weapon against those who displease him. In addition to tackling major issues, Trump has also focused on abolishing rules related to mundane matters that affect people’s daily lives, displaying a significant departure from standard presidential behavior.
Trump’s battlefronts include top private universities, where he has targeted prestigious Ivy League schools like Harvard and Columbia. By freezing federal funding and revoking tax-exempt status, the president has put pressure on these institutions. Law firms have also come under Trump’s scrutiny, being forced to settle with the White House and provide pro bono services to the tune of millions of dollars. The media has been a target of Trump’s attacks, with lawsuits against major news outlets and a combative relationship with journalists. Trump has also gone after the Federal Reserve, challenging Chairman Jerome Powell and his monetary policies, triggering market instability and trade disputes with allies.
As part of his war on the judiciary, Trump has criticized judges and prosecutors and clashed with court rulings, even when conservative justices have ruled against him. Additionally, Trump has launched investigations into former aides who have spoken out against him, accusing them of wrongdoing for their dissent. The president has exerted pressure on Republican lawmakers to toe the line, using threats of primary challenges for those who defy him. Trump’s influence extends to cultural institutions like the Kennedy Center, where he has made unprecedented moves to assert control and align performers with his views. The president has also targeted foreign leaders, such as the Ukrainian president, in high-stakes meetings, exerting influence in international affairs.
Overall, Trump’s approach to governance reflects a disruptive and aggressive style, challenging norms and pushing boundaries in his quest to maintain control and shake up the status quo. His administration has been marked by chaos and conflict, with battles across multiple fronts simultaneously. While some of his tactics have yielded results, others have faced resistance and backlash, showcasing the complexities and nuances of Trump’s leadership style. With his focus on taking on entrenched institutions and powerful figures, President Trump’s second term has been defined by turmoil, controversy, and a relentless pursuit of his agenda.
