Donald Trump has revealed a consistent pattern of actions throughout the first year of his second term as president of the United States: as a “leader” who prioritizes personal loyalty over constitutional norms. He frames governance as a zero-sum conflict between allies and enemies.

When these themes are taken seriously as analytical signals rather than polemics, they allow for a reasoned prognosis of what President Donald Trump might do in 2026.

If past is prelude, Donald J. Trump will in all likelihood in 2026 continue to “govern” in a confrontational, centralized, loyalty-driven manner, focusing on consolidating even more executive power, punishing perceived enemies, reshaping economic policy along nationalist lines, and weakening institutional constraints he views as illegitimate.

Trump’s unrestrained and unapologetic grifting will expand, as will his naming and renaming of iconic public structures and landmarks, as well as constructing more unnecessary and unrequested buildings and “victory arcs” in the nation’s capital.

He will continue hard lobbying for the Nobel Peace Prize even as he bombs and murders people on boats and the ports of Venezuela and in other nations, such as Nigeria and Somalia, without Congressional authorization or documented proof of the necessity for these strikes.

Consolidation of Executive Power

One of the most persistent themes in his second term has been the erosion of institutional independence. This has been evident in Trump’s hostility toward inspectors general, regulatory agencies, courts, and civil servants, especially when they constrain his personal, political, or financial........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)