Trump Expands Presidential Power Over Economy, Judiciary, Federal Reserve

President Donald Trump is increasingly exercising expansive and interventionist authority over the economy and other areas of governance, marking a significant departure from recent presidential norms. He has exerted pressure on the Federal Reserve, including an attempt to fire Governor Lisa Cook, and has reversed long-standing trade policies while encroaching on private-sector companies. Trump has also deployed the National Guard to U.S. cities to address crime, a move that has drawn criticism from Democrats and state leaders like California Governor Gavin Newsom, who likened Trump's tactics to those of a dictator. Trump openly claims broad presidential powers, stating he can "do anything" as president, and has expressed desires to remain in office beyond the current term, with “Trump 2028” merchandise symbolizing this ambition. Opponents worry that the conservative majority on the Supreme Court may enable Trump to bypass legal checks on his authority, as lower courts have often ruled against him but the Supreme Court has allowed some unprecedented actions to stand. This growing assertion of power by Trump has sparked widespread concern about the erosion of institutional constraints and the rule of law in the U.S.