In just five days, United States President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office in Washington, DC, completing a surprising turnaround after his failed 2020 re-election bid. Trump’s second term in the White House, beginning Monday, will test his strong-armed approach to presidential power. Experts are concerned about the potential for Trump to fundamentally alter the operations of federal agencies overseeing health, safety, water, climate, and labor during his second presidency. His expansive claims of presidential authority have raised alarms among experts, with predictions of what may come in the next four years. Trump’s first term saw an increase in presidential powers, a trend that has been ongoing for the past century. However, there are limits to this expansion, as seen in past presidencies such as Richard Nixon’s. Trump’s recent statements and actions have heightened concerns about his second term, with critics labeling him as an autocrat and fascist. His staffing selections and policy appointments suggest a push towards expanding executive authority, with potential ramifications for the balance of powers in the US government. Trump’s second term is expected to be marked by efforts to consolidate presidential power, with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on presidential immunity likely emboldening him in his actions.
