Is Trump Strong or Weak? Americans Will Decide
Some say President Trump is ruling through executive orders because his grip on power is shaky. But strength is always relative.
A matter of debate.
Photographer: Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesIs Donald Trump’s rampage through the US Government, including those parts outsourced to Elon Musk in open contempt of the law, evidence that the president is weak — limited by narrow majorities in Congress, institutional constraints on the executive and courts asserting constitutional prerogatives? Or proof that he is strong — untouchable by law or politics?
The question has been kicked around by columnists and political analysts for a couple of weeks now. It’s more than an academic discussion. The answer points either to a future of US authoritarianism or one in which democracy and constitutionalism yet cling to life.