We are witnessing America under Trump morphing from a Rule of Law country to Rule by Law.
This highlights a concern that has been voiced by many critics of Donald Trump's time in office, particularly regarding the balance of power and the interpretation of laws. The distinction between "rule of law" and "rule by law" reflects a shift from laws being applied impartially and protecting individual rights, to a system where laws are manipulated or enforced selectively to benefit those in power.
Critics argue that Trump's approach to governance, which often involved circumventing established norms, prioritizing personal loyalty over legal or ethical standards, and undermining institutions like the judiciary and intelligence agencies, contributed to this shift. Supporters, on the other hand, often frame his actions as efforts to challenge the "deep state" and restore the will of the people as expressed in the 2016 election.
Trump's Psychological Vulnerability, And the Destruction of the American Economy - Timothy Snyder
Anne Applebaum's article explores the rise of Viktor Orbán's autocratic regime in Hungary, a model admired by some American conservatives, including those aligned with the MAGA movement. Orbán's rule has led to corruption, stagnation, and economic decline, despite the rhetoric of nationalism and family values. The piece warns that these policies could offer a cautionary tale for the U.S. if similar authoritarian tactics gain traction.
America’s Future Is HungaryM[a]GA conservatives love Viktor Orbán. But he’s left his country corrupt, stagnant, & impoverished.
By Anne Applebaum
Applebaum's article explores the rise of Viktor Orbán's autocratic regime in Hungary, a model admired by some American conservatives, including those aligned with the MaGA movement who idolize him. Orbán's rule has led to corruption, stagnation, and economic decline, despite the rhetoric of [Christian] nationalism and family values. The piece warns that these policies offer a cautionary tale for the U.S. as similar authoritarian tactics gain traction. She warns that pursuing policies aligned with Orbán's model could result in damaging consequences for both governance and citizens' freedoms.
The shift from "rule of law" to "rule by law" suggests a move from impartial enforcement of laws that protect rights to a system where laws are manipulated or selectively enforced to benefit those in power. This transition erodes the principle of equality before the law and can lead to corruption and authoritarianism, as seen in places like Hungary under Viktor Orbán. Such a shift poses risks to democracy, undermining accountability, and often results in economic and political stagnation.
Trump's actions often blurred the line between "rule of law" and "rule by law." His frequent attacks on the judiciary, selective enforcement of laws, and attempts to manipulate legal systems to serve his personal interests undermined impartiality. His influence pushed the legal system closer to serving political loyalty rather than justice, as seen in his handling of investigations, pardons, and the disregard for norms. This shift risks prioritizing political agendas over legal fairness and accountability.
Trump's leadership/speaking style:
A couple of other things to consider, as explained in this
video - EU Plans Concessions for Trump After Reciprocal Tariffs Hit.
Jimmy Kimmel Jokes Trump’s Greatest Act Was to ‘Undo the Incredibly Dumb Thing He Did’ |
Video
Look it up — in
the authoritarian playbook::'Move fast to break things, claim you fixed it, insist only you could have (since you broke it, obviously).
Yes, that statement could be seen as an accurate critique of some of Donald Trump's approaches. Throughout his presidency and even in his rhetoric since, Trump often employed a strategy of creating or exacerbating problems and then positioning himself as the sole solution. This approach was particularly evident in his handling of various crises, from the economy to the COVID-19 pandemic, where he frequently blamed others for problems, only to later claim credit for solving them.
The idea of "move fast to break things" aligns with Trump's often impulsive decision-making style, which at times led to chaos or disruption, followed by claims that he was fixing the issues he helped create. This can also be seen in his handling of issues like immigration, trade, and foreign policy, where he would make bold moves (like withdrawing from international agreements) and then argue that only he could fix the resulting problems.
Fiona Hill from the
Brookings Institution raised concerns that the EU now fears America may become an adversary, especially under Trump's leadership. Trump’s tactics, often involving aggressive negotiations and alignment with China and Russia, could lead to empire-building strategies similar to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This approach, while seemingly clever, harms international relations and national security. Trump's actions have weakened respect for the presidency, eroding protections against concentrated power, moving the U.S. toward authoritarianism, akin to the situation in Hungary.
We have a choice. Not really a choice but a mandate to protect America as the Framers designed her. Either we do much, much better and very, very soon, or we can look to Hungary for how destitute we will soon be. There to merely remember America, rather than live within that "Great Experiment" that only an autocrat, an oligarch, or a kakistocratic fool would resent.
Compiled with aid of ChatGPT
