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When the Rule of Law Is an Inconvenience, We Have an Authoritarian in Office
This is precisely what we have seen with Donald Trump, whose presidency—and potential return to office—demonstrates a blatant disregard for legal constraints in favor of personal rule.
When the Rule of Law Is an Inconvenience, We Have an Authoritarian in Office
In a democracy, the rule of law serves as the foundation of governance—ensuring that no one, not even the highest officeholder, is above it. However, when a leader perceives the law as an impediment to their authority, democracy risks veering towards authoritarianism. Donald Trump's presidency and potential return to office demonstrate a blatant disregard for legal constraints in favor of personal rule.
Trump has repeatedly treated the law as optional, as evidenced by his flurry of executive orders, illegal defiance of laws, purging of civil servants, and immigration policies that border on racial cleansing.
The implications are dangerous: democracy cannot function when the highest officeholder believes legal limitations apply only when they are convenient.