Months into his first presidency, Donald Trump’s attempts to exert control over his administration were often ignored or diluted by aides wary of his most extreme directives. However, as he embarks on his second term, the former president appears determined to leave no room for defiance. With loyalists installed at key levels of government, Trump is exercising a firm grip on the executive branch, moving swiftly to reshape the federal landscape in his image.
From laissez-faire to direct control
During Trump’s first term, his commands were often softened or outright ignored by officials who sought to maintain institutional stability. One such incident occurred when Trump demanded White House Counsel Don McGahn fire special counsel Robert Mueller. McGahn never carried out the order, and Trump never followed up.
Such reluctance to enforce Trump’s will is far less likely in his second term. This time, the Republican president is ensuring that his directives are acted upon, backed by a network of unwavering supporters. His administration is not only reversing policies implemented under Joe Biden but actively obstructing congressionally approved funding championed by his predecessor.
Expanding presidential reach
One of the most striking examples of Trump’s intensified approach has been his intervention in government institutions. Not content with merely replacing the board members at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, he has appointed himself as chairman. At the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), officials were ordered to cease operations, with a whistleblower hotline established for employees to report any unauthorised activity.
The White House insists this is simply a case of “promises made, promises kept,” with officials dismissing concerns that Trump is exercising excessive control. However, critics argue his governance now carries a more authoritarian undertone, with far-reaching consequences for American democracy.
A purge of the ‘deep state’
Throughout his first term, Trump frequently complained of being undermined by what he and his allies called the “deep state”—a supposed network of career officials working against him. Determined to prevent a repeat, he has taken drastic steps to dismantle federal bureaucracy.
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, whom Trump has entrusted with overseeing government efficiency measures, is spearheading efforts to reduce the federal workforce. With sweeping layoffs and a restructuring of key agencies, Trump aims to eliminate what he perceives as institutional resistance.
Timothy Naftali, a historian at Columbia University, believes Trump’s approach is driven by a deep-seated desire for retribution:
“Donald Trump’s instincts haven’t changed. He’s just angrier, meaner, and more effective than he was in his first term. We’ve never had a president come into office with such a deep desire for revenge.”
Several federal agencies have already been targeted. The US Agency for International Development (USAID), a leading distributor of humanitarian aid, has been shut down. Meanwhile, the CFPB, established to protect Americans from financial fraud, has been rendered inoperative.
Reshaping the department of justice
Perhaps the most significant institutional shake-up has occurred at the Department of Justice (DOJ), an agency that dogged Trump with investigations throughout his first term and beyond. After facing multiple federal indictments—later dropped upon his re-election—Trump has ensured the DOJ is now staffed with loyalists.
One key appointment is Emil Bove, the acting deputy attorney general and a former Trump defence lawyer. Last week, Bove moved to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, citing the need for Adams to focus on Trump’s immigration policies.
“The pending prosecution has unduly restricted Mayor Adams’ ability to devote full attention and resources to the illegal immigration and violent crime that escalated under the policies of the prior administration,” Bove wrote.
The move prompted several prosecutors in New York and Washington to resign in protest, with a court hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
Although Trump insists he was not directly involved in the decision, he has previously claimed that Adams was unfairly targeted for political reasons.
Crackdown on January 6 investigations
Another major area of concern has been Trump’s handling of those involved in the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol. Mere hours after taking office, Trump pardoned around 1,500 individuals, including those convicted of assaulting police officers during the riot.
His administration has gone further, launching an internal review of FBI employees involved in the January 6 investigations. Reports suggest agents could face disciplinary action if deemed to have acted with “corrupt or partisan intent.”
“The only individuals who should be concerned,” Bove stated, “are those who acted with corrupt or partisan intent.”
This marks a stark departure from Trump’s first term, when numerous establishment figures within his administration tempered his impulses. Olivia Troye, a former national security official and outspoken Trump critic, noted:
“During the first administration, quite frankly, they had no idea what they were doing. Now they have people in place who were there the first time around. They’ve been preparing to execute for several years.”
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Dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
One of Trump’s most aggressive policy reversals has been his targeting of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes. Executive orders have been signed to eliminate such initiatives, but his administration is taking further steps to ensure their eradication.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which serves as the federal government’s human resources department, has issued warnings against the continuation of DEI efforts. Employees have been instructed not to use “coded or imprecise language” to disguise such programmes, and a reporting system has been put in place.
“Anyone who sees evidence of DEI should immediately disclose it. Failure to report this information within 10 days may result in adverse consequences,” the OPM stated.
A presidency with unchecked power?
While Trump’s first term was often marked by internal resistance and inconsistent governance, his second term is shaping up to be one of unchallenged authority. With a network of loyalists enforcing his directives, he is not only reversing Biden-era policies but actively reshaping the federal government in ways that could have long-lasting consequences.
Supporters argue that Trump is simply fulfilling his campaign promises and restoring executive power. Critics, however, warn that his increasingly unilateral decision-making could erode democratic norms.
As Trump’s second presidency unfolds, the question remains: is this a necessary course correction or the prelude to an unprecedented concentration of power?
