President Trump posted on social media a single sentence that appears to reflect attitude as he tests the nation’s legal limitations in the process of upending the federal government and punishing his perceived enemies.
His social media post “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law,” was widely described as a statement reflecting his stance as he pushes the boundaries of legal and constitutional norms during his second term. The phrase, which Trump also shared on X (formerly Twitter), is a variation of a quote often attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte, although its origin is uncertain. By pinning the post to the top of his feed, Trump signalled its significance, suggesting that his actions are justified by his goal of “saving” the nation.
Since his return to the White House, Trump has adopted a more assertive approach to presidential power compared to his first term. This shift is partly influenced by a Supreme Court ruling that grants him presumptive immunity from prosecution for actions taken under his official powers. Within his first weeks back in office, Trump issued a series of executive orders that tested traditional limits on presidential authority. He dismissed multiple officials, dismantled a federal agency despite statutory restrictions, and froze spending approved by Congress, leading to legal challenges.
Trump’s actions have included controversial measures such as attempting to redefine birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment, and conducting mass firings of public servants while bypassing civil service protections. He also significantly reduced the operations of the agency overseeing foreign aid, dismissed prosecutors involved in investigations against him, and removed Senate-confirmed watchdogs without notifying Congress.
These moves reflect Trump’s embrace of the unitary executive theory, a legal interpretation asserting that the Constitution prohibits Congress from limiting the president’s control over the executive branch. This ideology underpins his administration’s stance that the president has the authority to fire any government official at will and to override the independence of federal agencies.
via Reuers