Opinion Trump is ruling America like a petty, vindictive mob boss

[CharlieH]

The President isn’t trying to turn the US into a dictatorship. He is using strong-arm tactics to bend companies and institutions to his will.

 

 

Since Donald Trump’s descent down the golden escalator in 2015 to launch his presidential bid, critics have warned he might lead America into authoritarianism. Yet, nearly a decade on, the fears that Trump is a modern-day Mussolini or Hitler haven't materialized in the way many anticipated.

 

What has emerged instead is a pattern that looks less like dictatorship and more like the antics of a vindictive political boss—closer in style to a corrupt city mayor than a totalitarian leader.

Recently, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell blocked a Trump executive order that sought to ban the Democratic-leaning law firm Perkins Coie from federal contracts and even from entering federal buildings. She referenced Alice in Wonderland, likening Trump's style to the Queen of Hearts—issuing verdicts before trials with shouts of “Off with their heads!”

 

This ruling underscores a broader truth: Trump’s actions have often been more theatrical and punitive than strategic or systemic. He hasn’t disbanded Congress or rounded up political opponents en masse. Instead, his use of power has been frequently petty and personal, targeting institutions and individuals who oppose him.

 

In one example, Trump threatened to block a new stadium deal for Washington’s NFL team unless the franchise reverted to its former name, the Redskins. The team had changed it under social pressure, adopting the “Commanders” moniker, which Trump derided. While he is entitled to an opinion, leveraging presidential influence to push a personal naming preference blurred the line between politics and personal vendetta.

 

This kind of maneuver is familiar in city politics: the unspoken deal that favors will be granted only if loyalty is shown. It's not the language of fascism—it’s the muscle-flexing of a political operator using office to settle scores.

Such tactics extend beyond sports. Trump has used lawsuits against major media firms—ABC, CBS’s parent company, Meta, and X (formerly Twitter)—claiming biased coverage. According to reports, some outlets settled by contributing millions to Trump’s future presidential library fund. He’s even taken legal action against his niece, Mary Trump, for her role in disclosing financial details to The New York Times.

 

Trump’s pressure campaign hasn’t spared law firms either. Using executive orders, he’s attempted to penalize firms tied to Democratic causes or those involved in lawsuits against him. While courts have blocked many of these orders—judges labeling them retaliatory and unconstitutional—Trump has still managed to extract promises. One firm agreed to provide $40 million worth of pro bono work supporting causes aligned with his administration.

 

He’s also targeted individuals. After breaking ties with Elon Musk, Trump publicly mused about revoking Musk’s U.S. citizenship—something the president has no legal power to do. He’s questioned the legitimacy of other critics as well, like Ugandan-born politician Zohran Mamdani and actress Rosie O’Donnell, suggesting they should be deported or stripped of citizenship. Such rhetoric, while legally empty, sends a chilling message about the vindictive use of presidential speech.

These moves don’t amount to dictatorship in the traditional sense—dictators don’t sue their critics; they silence them. But they do reflect a troubling pattern of personal vendetta cloaked in presidential authority. Using executive orders and public platforms to pressure companies, individuals, and institutions for personal gain is neither democratic nor principled.

Despite court pushback, Trump remains undeterred, portraying himself as a victim of a system stacked against him while simultaneously manipulating that system to his advantage. His critics often overstate the case by casting him as a fascist, but downplaying the damage of this behavior misses the mark too.

 

Ultimately, voters didn’t elect a monarch or a mob boss. They chose a president—one expected to rise above personal feuds and serve the nation. Even those who supported Trump twice deserve better than the circus of grudges and threats. America, after all, isn’t Wonderland.

 

Asean Now adaptation of an OP from The Telegraph

[Chomper Higgot]

That’s precisely what he’s doing.

[frank83628]

What a load of waffle. Sounds like Trump dumped the OP and they havent got over it

[Will B Good]

2 minutes ago, frank83628 said:

What a load of waffle. Sounds like Trump dumped the OP and they havent got over it

 

Seriously?......Pick out your top three....... total BS/waffle/totally untrue statements....... and let's see why they are...what?.....straight up lies?

[frank83628]

1 minute ago, Will B Good said:

 

Seriously?......Pick out your top three....... total BS/waffle/totally untrue statements....... and let's see why they are...what?.....straight up lies?

Its just another 'trump bad' thread, written by an anti trumpet.

I have yet to see a positive thread from any MSM outlets.

They have totally ignored that the illegal southern border crossing are down by 97%, 

Totally ignored revenue the tariffs have brought in,

totally ignored the billions of investments countries have pledged

 

A new deal done with Japan yesterday.... crickets from any of them.

[DaRoadrunner]

"Trump is ruling America like a petty, vindictive mob boss." That is likely exactly what is needed! I like the way he gets things done. Also, like me, he is a businessman, not a politician, so I understand the way he operates.

[BLMFem]

1 hour ago, frank83628 said:

Its just another 'trump bad' thread, written by an anti trumpet.

I have yet to see a positive thread from any MSM outlets.

They have totally ignored that the illegal southern border crossing are down by 97%, 

Totally ignored revenue the tariffs have brought in,

totally ignored the billions of investments countries have pledged

 

A new deal done with Japan yesterday.... crickets from any of them.

Imagine seeing you posting in this thread. I'm utterly surprised, buddy!

[BLMFem]

46 minutes ago, DaRoadrunner said:

"Trump is ruling America like a petty, vindictive mob boss." That is likely exactly what is needed! I like the way he gets things done. Also, like me, he is a businessman, not a politician, so I understand the way he operates.

Really? How many times have you declared bankruptcy then?