Leaders | How far will he go?

Donald Trump: the would-be king

America is fated to wage a titanic struggle over the power of the president

The back of Donald Trump wearing a golden crown
image: Justin Metz

IN HIS FIRST whirlwind month in office, Donald Trump has made his base exultant and left his opponents reeling. With his blitzkrieg, Mr Trump is trying to turn the presidency into the dominant branch of government. The question is how far his campaign goes before he is checked—if he is checked—and where it will leave the republic.

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This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “The would-be king ”

From the February 22nd 2025 edition

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