Trump Accused of Weaponizing Government to Target Opponents/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump is facing renewed scrutiny for using government power to pursue personal and political grudges in his second term. From targeting universities and media companies to threatening Democratic-led cities, Trump’s aggressive tactics have alarmed critics. Supporters argue he is simply delivering “common sense” leadership by wielding state authority.
Trump’s Use of Presidential Power: Quick Looks
- Trump boasts of holding “all the cards” in power struggles.
- Federal agents deployed under rarely used law to control Washington, D.C.
- Threatened to block Washington Commanders stadium unless team restored slur name.
- Revoked funding and pressured universities, forcing high-profile resignations.
- Targeted prosecutors, law firms, and federal employees tied to past cases.
- Pushed legal settlements against media firms and political rivals.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi pursuing probes of Trump critics, including Letitia James.
- Critics say Trump erodes guardrails; supporters call it “common sense.”
- Trump campaigned against “weaponized government” but now uses its power aggressively.
Deep Look: Trump Accused of Weaponizing U.S. Government in Second Term to Pursue Grievances
WASHINGTON — Seven months into his second term, President Donald Trump is drawing sharp criticism for using the powers of the federal government to pursue personal grievances, political vendettas, and cultural battles. What he once decried as a “weaponized deep state” is now, according to opponents, being harnessed by Trump himself.
The president frequently frames his approach through a poker analogy, boasting that the United States holds “all the cards” when negotiating with adversaries or allies. That worldview now extends to domestic policy, where Trump has deployed state authority in unprecedented and controversial ways.
Aggressive Use of Government Authority
Since January, Trump has expanded presidential authority in ways that critics say cross constitutional boundaries:
- Federal agents and National Guard troops flooded Washington after Trump invoked a never-before-used law to centralize control of local law enforcement.
- He threatened similar crackdowns in Baltimore, Chicago, New York, and New Orleans, cities led by Democrats.
- Trump fired a Federal Reserve governor on unproven allegations of mortgage fraud.
- He pressured the Washington Commanders to reinstate their old team name by threatening to block a new stadium deal.
- His administration revoked billions in federal research funds and blocked access to international students, leading to a $220 million settlement with Columbia University and leadership changes at other schools.
- He targeted prosecutors and attorneys connected to cases involving him, revoking security clearances and reassigning personnel.
- He dropped corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams in exchange for cooperation on immigration enforcement.
- His lawsuits against media organizations yielded multimillion-dollar settlements, despite weak legal standing.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has also convened a grand jury to probe the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation and appointed a special prosecutor to investigate New York Attorney General Letitia James and Sen. Adam Schiff.
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields defended Trump’s approach:
“What the nation is witnessing today is the execution of the most consequential administration in American history — one that is embracing common sense, putting America first, and fulfilling the mandate of the American people.”
Supporters See Strength, Critics See Danger
For Trump’s loyal supporters, this weaponization of state power is not a betrayal but a fulfillment of promises. Sociologist David N. Smith notes that Trump’s base resented state actions against him but welcomes its use in the culture wars.
Trump’s critics, however, argue he has dismantled traditional guardrails meant to limit presidential power. Unlike his first term, when advisers and courts reined in some actions, Trump now faces fewer constraints from Congress, the judiciary, or within the executive branch itself.
Political theorist Steven Lukes argues Trump has mastered multiple dimensions of power — coercion, agenda control, and preference-shaping — but adds a new twist: “epistemic liberation,” the ability to create and circulate false claims without consequence.
From Victim of Weaponization to Practitioner
During his 2024 campaign, Trump repeatedly claimed to be a victim of “Biden’s weaponized Department of Injustice.” Facing four criminal indictments, he promised retribution if reelected.
“IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I’M COMING AFTER YOU!” he wrote on Truth Social in 2023.
When asked on Fox News whether he’d govern responsibly, Trump quipped he wouldn’t be a dictator — “except on day one.”
After his second inauguration, Trump promised to end government weaponization. Yet within weeks, he signed orders targeting law firms, political rivals, and even former officials from his first administration.
The Full Circle of Power
Trump now wields power with fewer internal checks, reshaping norms and reasserting presidential dominance. The contrast between his campaign promises and his governing style underscores a shift: Trump is no longer battling the so-called “deep state” but actively using state power to shape the political battlefield, punish critics, and reward allies.
For supporters, it’s “peace through strength” in action. For critics, it represents a dangerous erosion of democratic institutions — one that could redefine the boundaries of presidential authority for decades.
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