The language of the American presidency doesn’t apply to Trump | Robert Reich
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-05-25 06:00:00 — www.theguardian.com
Words Matter: The Trump Regime’s Distortion of Truth
In the realm of governance, the language used to describe leadership carries profound moral weight. Over the past 16 months, Donald Trump and his appointees have so fundamentally undermined the United States government that the terminology traditionally used to describe a presidential administration no longer suffices. Instead, many argue that it is more appropriate to refer to this governance as a “regime.” This shift in language reflects a reality characterized by lawlessness, defiance of judicial authority, and a systematic attack on democratic norms.
Defiance of Court Orders
One of the most alarming aspects of the Trump regime is its blatant disregard for judicial authority. In February 2026, a federal judge appointed by George W. Bush revealed that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had defied approximately 200 court orders from the district of Minnesota. The judge concluded that ICE had “likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence.” This pattern of defiance raises serious questions about the rule of law under Trump’s leadership.
Vilification of Judges and Legislative Overreach
Moreover, the Trump regime has not only ignored court rulings but has also actively vilified judges who rule against it. Trump has called for the impeachment of judges who have issued unfavorable decisions, a move that undermines the independence of the judiciary. This regime has also usurped legislative powers, declaring war and imposing tariffs without congressional approval, actions that further erode the checks and balances essential to American democracy.
Stifling Dissent
In addition to undermining judicial authority, the Trump regime has sought to stifle dissent and silence criticism across various sectors, including universities, law firms, and the media. This suppression of free speech is emblematic of a regime that prioritizes control over democratic discourse.
Questionable Leadership
Critics argue that referring to Trump as “president” defiles the Constitution. Under his leadership, over 300,000 federal workers have left their jobs, including tens of thousands who were fired. Trump has dismissed inspectors general tasked with holding political appointees accountable and has actively punished whistleblowers who expose abuses. His administration has been marked by attacks on marginalized groups and open persecution of political opponents.
Pardons and Military Actions
Trump’s controversial pardons of convicted felons, including those who supported him politically, further illustrate the regime’s disregard for justice. Notably, he pardoned a Honduran president implicated in drug trafficking and individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection. Additionally, the deployment of federal troops to cities governed by Democratic officials raises concerns about the militarization of domestic law enforcement.
A Lawless Administration
The term “lawless” aptly describes the Trump regime’s approach to governance. By the end of January 2026, eight individuals had died in ICE custody, with a total of 32 deaths reported in the previous year—more than in the preceding two decades combined. Reports indicate that individuals merely suspected of being in the U.S. illegally have been detained or deported without due process, and military actions against suspected drug smugglers have occurred in violation of international law.
Constitutional Violations and Conflicts of Interest
Trump’s acceptance of gifts from foreign powers and his promotion of family businesses, including a crypto venture, raise serious ethical concerns. He has even sued the Internal Revenue Service for $10 billion, alleging leaks about his tax returns, while his Justice Department has proposed a $1.8 billion fund to compensate individuals deemed unfairly convicted, potentially including those involved in the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021.
The True Test of Leadership
Ultimately, the measure of a successful presidency is not the accumulation of power or the number of policies enacted, but rather the well-being of the American people and the strength of democracy. By these standards, the Trump regime is not merely lawless; it represents a catastrophic failure of governance.
As Robert Reich, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, aptly notes, the language we use to describe our government matters profoundly. The actions and rhetoric of the Trump regime have necessitated a reevaluation of how we define leadership in America, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and a return to democratic principles.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/25/american-presidency-trump