Trump’s Power Stems from His Willingness to Break All Norms — The article argues that Trump’s influence comes not from America’s strength or his political base, but from his complete disregard for rules, laws, ethics, and norms, allowing him to act without restraint for personal gain.

He Exploits Trust for Personal Benefit — Like a thief in a trusting community, Trump shatters widely accepted standards (in foreign policy, elections, business, etc.), gains advantages, and leaves others to bear the costs of restoring order and protecting themselves.

This Damages Institutions and Leaves a Lasting Mess — Trump’s amoral approach has undermined trust in key institutions (NATO, FIFA, DOJ, etc.), and his presidency will be remembered as the most powerful yet most destructive, with long-term consequences for America and the world.

At the NATO summit just ended, Trump lashed out at other NATO members, saying he was “very disappointed with NATO” and asking “Why are we spending hundreds of billions of dollars, and they’re not there for us?” He reiterated his desire to take over Greenland, blasted European energy and immigration policies, insulted Spain, and worried allies by declaring that the fighting between Kyiv and Moscow “doesn’t affect us.”

Yet throughout the proceedings, Trump was treated by other NATO powers with as much deference as any U.S. president has ever received from NATO — perhaps more. “It was a great meeting, there was a lot of love in that room, a lot of unity,” Trump crowed when it was over. 

What happened? It’s important to understand the source of Trump’s power. 

His power doesn’t come from his being president of the most powerful nation in the world. In fact, his arbitrary tariffs, absurd war in Iran, and........

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