Introduction to Understanding the Early Trump 47 Presidency

In his second term, President Donald Trump has pushed beyond the limits that have constrained previous presidents, suggesting that he should not be bound by norms, statutes, or constitutional language. The logic of the US Constitution is that majorities are required for change but that it also is necessary to protect minority interests. The system of checks and balances forces most majorities to grow and broaden before they are empowered. The Constitution provides an incentive for public officials to negotiate and compromise. Donald Trump has ignored this constitutional imperative. Instead of persuasion, compromise, and negotiation, he has employed unilateral action.