When Donald Trump stepped into the spotlight for his second term, it didn’t take long for political observers to start wondering: What does this mean for the future of our country? On the very first day of his new administration, it became clear that things could get messy, and some even fear they could spiral out of control.
David French, a columnist at the New York Times, shared his concerns during a chat with fellow writers Patrick Healy and Michelle Goldberg. According to French, Trump’s second term could be the ultimate test of the rule of law. Picture this: Trump’s unshakable stubbornness, the unwavering loyalty of his MAGA followers, and the possibility of him bending the law to his will—especially when it comes to using his pardon power. French points out that Trump could see the pardon power as something without limits, and that could spell disaster for the legal system.
It’s easy to imagine a chaotic scenario where federal courts issue orders that Trump simply ignores, or even tells others to defy. “What if courts issue contempt orders?” French asks. “Trump could just pardon those who refuse to follow court orders.” That would be a huge challenge for the rule of law.
But the real question, according to French, is this: What happens when the Supreme Court steps in? Will Trump accept rulings that go against him, or will he push back? French notes that the Supreme Court, even with a conservative majority, has already rejected many arguments from Trump’s side. The fear is that the next move might be even bolder: outright defiance of the Supreme Court itself.
French’s warning is clear: the real test of Trump’s second term will be whether the rule of law can survive—or whether it will be shattered by defiance at the highest levels of government.
It’s a lot to think about, and it’s clear that the coming years could be a rollercoaster ride for the nation. Keep an eye on how things unfold!
