President Donald Trump is reshaping the federal government, turning it into a tool for rewarding his allies and punishing those he sees as adversaries. He is using executive orders, federal investigations, and regulatory decisions to target a wide range of individuals and institutions.
Trump's actions include targeting universities, law firms, and critics from his first term, while simultaneously rewarding allies with pardons, contracts, and the termination of investigations. The fallout with Elon Musk highlighted Trump's transactional approach, as he threatened to terminate contracts after their disagreement.
This behavior underscores how quickly one can shift from ally to adversary. Trump sees little distinction between public policy and personal loyalty. This approach contrasts with Richard Nixon, who also sought to use federal authority for personal gain, but Trump's actions are more extensive and overt.
Trump's actions are seen as a way of life, unlike Nixon's more isolated incidents. Trump is moving faster and further in reconfiguring the federal government's authority. He has revoked security clearances, ordered investigations, and imposed penalties on institutions he considers hostile.
Trump has also rewarded allies, dropping charges and terminating enforcement actions. These actions resemble a protection racket, offering protection for those who meet his demands and consequences for those who resist. The speed at which Trump changed his stance on Musk exemplifies this dynamic.
Nixon's efforts to use federal power were aimed at retaliation, while Trump's actions may extend to weakening independent institutions. Trump is openly making threats, which changes their nature and can disrupt the lives of those targeted. However, Trump faces less resistance than Nixon did.
Trump operates with a compliant Republican Congress and loyalist appointees. The courts are the primary obstacle, but the Supreme Court's stance remains uncertain. The legal battles will determine whether Trump can fulfill the darkest impulses of Richard Nixon.