Trump leans into unprecedented power ahead of midterm elections

Donald Trump is campaigning on how much more power he says he has in his second term. In a recent interview, he contrasted today’s influence with his first term, saying companies once ignored his calls and now “kiss my ass.”

NPR points to actions that illustrate the shift, including the Justice Department’s raid on a congresswoman’s home and the administration’s decision to remove trees in Washington despite a judge’s order. The story also describes Trump’s willingness to pursue foreign policy moves that run against congressional sanctions.

Trump is presenting that reach as strength to voters ahead of the midterms. The question is whether voters see forceful executive action as effective leadership or as a president testing the limits of his office.

The article sets those examples against the constitutional system’s checks and balances. It also notes that presidents have often expanded their authority, leaving Congress and the courts to decide when to push back.