Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the 11 September 2001 attacks on New York’s Twin Towers, a commentary argues that former US President Donald Trump, in about 20 months, has caused more harm to the United States than some of the countries and figures the piece cites as enemies. The author compares Trump’s record to past attempts to defeat the US, but frames many of the claims as criticisms of how Trump used office and shaped domestic and foreign policy. Constitutional Checks And Executive OrdersThe article says Trump bypassed parts of the constitutional system of checks and balances, arguing that congressional powers set out in Article I and Article III have been set aside and that the presidency has been reshaped as the dominant arm of government. It also claims that while the Supreme Court has sometimes restrained the president, that has been limited. The piece states that Trump governed heavily through executive orders, adding that he issued 279 of them. Tariffs, Trade and CitizenshipThe article argues that Trump’s use of executive power has extended into policy areas including immigration and birthright citizenship. It says that, although birthright citizenship is set out in the Constitution, Trump has used executive orders as a workaround. On trade, the commentary says Trump pushed for tariffs and, after a court ruling found tariffs unconstitutional, then sought a loophole to continue them. It adds that tariffs are harming the US economy and global markets, citing an estimate that US families would face costs averaging about $1,300 more per year in 2026. It also says Trump is engaging in a trade war with Canada, describing this as part of a broader approach to trade restrictions. The commentary further points to changes at the White House, stating that Trump demolished the East Wing to build a ballroom. It says that while Trump had promised private funding, the government is now expected to cover the construction costs. Isolation, Money Claims And Political DivisionThe author also argues that political dynamics in the US have become more isolated and destructive, with opposition figures treated as enemies rather than political rivals. The piece says the country’s divisions are as deep as, or deeper than, those seen during the Civil War and Vietnam, and adds that it believes the split could be widening further. It further claims Trump has benefited financially through his presidency, saying his wealth has increased by a few billion, largely through cryptocurrency. The article also alleges that money associated with Saudi and Gulf state dealings has flowed to Trump’s sons and son-in-law, and questions the extent of Donald Trump Jr’s earnings from Pentagon contracts, claiming such work would not be available to someone without the Trump name. NATO, Ukraine And Other Foreign Policy StrainsOn foreign policy and defence, the commentary argues that Trump rejected what it describes as around 80 years of bipartisan approaches and long-standing alignment among Western partners. It highlights that the US supported rebuilding efforts in Germany, Japan and Europe after the Second World War, and says the US has historically relied on allies and partners. The article says Trump pressured NATO members to increase defence spending, and that US forces have been withdrawn or redeployed from NATO countries. It also refers to Trump’s calls to take over Greenland as, in the author’s view, offensive and impossible. It claims these actions have weakened NATO, and says the approach has been accompanied by what it calls a more favourable stance towards Russian President Vladimir Putin. The piece alleges Trump showed disrespect to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and withheld support related to the Russia-Ukraine war, saying this has pushed Europe to do more and aided Russia. The commentary also claims Trump’s engagement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unsettled treaty partners, and says the US has since drifted into a difficult situation in the Gulf after Nicolas Maduro’s capture, describing it as a quagmire. It adds that around two-thirds of Americans oppose a reported war in Iran, which the article says was launched based on misleading intelligence attributed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It warns that, without remedial diplomatic action, it could lead to a wider conflict on a scale similar to past wars the author cites. Join the discussion? 10 September 2026
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