In this episode of Deep Dive, we tackle a provocative question that has loomed large over American politics: Does Donald Trump think he is an Emperor? Drawing on a robust analysis from a social scientist's perspective, we dissect the Trump presidency through the critical lens of the concentration of power and his administration's complex relationship with the U.S. Constitution.

We’ll explore Trump's consistent rhetoric and actions that suggested an expansive view of executive authority, often pushing the boundaries of established norms and the separation of powers. From attempts to unilaterally alter birthright citizenship and politicize the federal workforce to controversial uses of executive orders and the pardoning power, we examine specific instances where his administration acted in ways that challenged constitutional limits.

How many times did his actions face legal challenges for potentially acting against the Constitution? We'll delve into the numerous court battles, injunctions, and legal debates that characterized his term, exploring how the judiciary often served as a critical, albeit sometimes procedural, check on executive overreach. We'll also discuss the response, or lack thereof, from other institutions, particularly Congress, and the implications of their actions (or inactions) on the balance of power.

Finally, we'll grapple with the profound question: What would be the long-term result if democratic institutions, designed to safeguard the Constitution, had not acted – or fail to act in the future – against such challenges to the foundational principles of American governance? Join us for a deep dive into the historical precedents, the constitutional skirmishes, and the enduring legacy of a presidency that relentlessly tested the limits of power.

Music Credits:

Opening Music: "Company Fusion Ident" by Scott Holmes MusicClosing

Ending Music: "Sky" by Serge Quadrado

Support the show:https://www.patreon.com/DeepDiveUncovered