Trump has instituted a political coup

ChatGPT said:

Recent developments suggest that former President Donald Trump is consolidating power in ways that some observers describe as a political coup. This consolidation is characterized by actions that undermine democratic institutions and checks and balances. Key reasons supporting this perspective include:

1. Concentration of Executive Power: Trump has been accused of executing an unprecedented power grab by not spending money appropriated by Congress, leading to the de facto dismantling of agencies and firing of civil servants. This move effectively sidelines the legislative branch’s authority and centralizes control within the executive. The Guardian
2. Compromised Judiciary: There are concerns that the judiciary, which traditionally serves as a check on executive power, appears compromised. Some judges support the concentration of presidential power under the “unitary executive” theory, aligning with Trump’s actions and potentially undermining judicial independence. The Guardian
3. Privatization and Corruption: The administration, alongside influential figures like Elon Musk, is privatizing large parts of the state, leading to inefficiency and corruption. This strategy weakens public institutions and concentrates power among private entities aligned with the executive. The Guardian
4. Retaliation Against Opponents: Trump has ordered the suspension of security clearances for employees at Perkins Coie, a law firm tied to the 2016 Steele Dossier scandal. This action is viewed as a move to punish those involved in past investigations against him, consolidating his control by intimidating potential adversaries. New York Post
5. Cultural Institution Takeover: Trump’s political maneuvering has led to a significant cultural shift at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. By installing allies and canceling certain performances, he is steering the institution’s programming to align with his administration’s preferences, reflecting an attempt to control cultural narratives. Vox

These actions collectively suggest a deliberate effort to concentrate power and undermine democratic checks and balances, aligning with concerns about a political coup.

Trump’s Power Consolidation Raises Coup Concerns

The Guardian

Trump is concentrating power. A key faction of judges supports the idea

Yesterday

New York PostBring the hammer down on Perkins Coie and every other player in the Russigate scandalTodayVoxTrump’s petty revenge on the Kennedy CenterToday

Sources

4o