As America gears up for the 250th anniversary of its separation from monarchy, President Donald Trump has been at the forefront of celebrations, showcasing his influence in Washington. His image dominates federal buildings, signaling what some see as a monarch-like presence rather than a democratic leader. Trump’s actions since his return to power have further fueled these comparisons.
Since January 2025, Trump has been active in widening his control over federal mechanisms. He appointed a personal attorney as attorney general, targeted political adversaries through the Department of Justice, leveraged military deployment domestically, and used his office for personal financial gain. Other bold moves include firing satirists, rebranding the Kennedy Center with his name, influencing election protocols, and engaging in legal battles with media and government entities.
His strategy for the national commemoration has overshadowed the congressionally authorized commission envisioned for the celebrations. During these events, Trump plans another rally, drawing parallels with historical monarchs like King George III, though he dismisses any claims of being a king in his addresses.
Historian Julian Zelizer from Princeton University highlights this trend, suggesting Trump’s approach contrasts with the foundational fears around centralization and corruption. This stance also ignites movements like “No Kings,” opposed to perceived tyranny and echoing past oppression protests.
“It looks like the same kind of tyranny we were rebelling against 250 years ago,”
told Ezra Levin regarding activist sentiments.
Trump’s statements on his exertion of power reflect an ongoing debate about the nature of authority. He cites Article II of the Constitution to justify his actions while rejecting authoritarian labels. Despite a compliant Republican Congress, Trump faces judicial scrutiny yet benefits from favorable Supreme Court rulings relaxing presidential immunity.
The court rulings, including the controversial immunity decision during his 2024 campaign, underscore challenges of unchecked executive power. Trump’s lawyer, D. John Sauer, has defended expansive presidential rights, igniting debate about legal limits.
Trump’s financial pursuits remain contentious, especially given direct business benefits during his presidency. His ventures in cryptocurrency have garnered substantial profits, amid legal struggles such as the lawsuit against the IRS for leaking his tax data.
Critics call the business entanglements ironically monarchical, considering Trump’s impact on decision-making intertwined with personal gain, according to Zelizer.
“We have not seen a person who has a business operation of this scale and scope benefiting directly from the decisions he makes,”
Zelizer observed.
Trump’s directives also suggest personal vendettas influencing federal action. His insistence on prosecuting detractors evidences blurred lines between the presidency and legal boundaries, with prominent opponents like former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James facing legal challenges, albeit dismissed later.
Controversies extend beyond staples of governance. Trump’s birthday celebration at the White House featured UFC events, further mingling personal interests with official duties. Criticism from figures like California Gov. Gavin Newsom underscores concerns about public office enriching individuals, reminiscent of historical monarchical critiques.
Newsom’s remarks highlight ongoing tensions amid DOJ inquiries into his actions.
Associated Press contributions from Lindsay Whitehurst and Fatima Hussein in Washington build upon this unfolding narrative.