Experts warn of lawlessness in Trump's presidency

In early 2025, a symposium published by the New York Times gathered 35 legal scholars to evaluate Donald Trump’s actions during the first 100 days of his second presidency. The scholars identified and expressed their concerns regarding numerous unconstitutional actions taken by the Trump administration, including the undermining of the judiciary, infringements on First Amendment rights, and the consolidation of executive power. They collectively illustrated how Trump's maneuvers could severely disrupt the rule of law and democratic values in the United States. Their analysis highlighted a persistent sense of urgency regarding the potential ramifications of the presidency on civil liberties and the constitutional system. The symposium featured contributions from a diverse group of legal scholars, including both conservative and progressive experts, showcasing a broad range of agreement on the issues at hand. Notable scholars like Michael McConnell from Stanford Law and Erwin Chemerinsky from Berkeley voiced critical concerns regarding the president’s attempts to operate beyond constitutional limits. They discussed Trump’s actions concerning federal funding, the targeting of various institutions, and the erosion of immigrant rights, emphasizing a united warning against executive overreach. Despite ideological differences, there was overwhelming agreement about the severity of the situation and the threats it posed to lawful governance. The October symposium was not an isolated event but part of a wider discourse among legal professionals reflecting on Trump's presidency since his return to office. The concerns expressed revealed a consensus that Trump's approach to governance demonstrated traits akin to authoritarianism, testing the foundational principles of democracy in the U.S. The discussions underscored an alarming trajectory leading toward a constitutional crisis, with over 200 legal challenges indicating the contentious nature of Trump's policies. Scholars argued that the presidency's disregard for established laws was evidenced by attempts to exert control over federal funds and undermine judicial authority. Legal experts urged a collective vigilance to protect democratic institutions, as many of Trump’s actions were perceived as provocative and aimed at expanding executive power without sufficient checks and balances. The participants of the symposium sought to create a guide reflecting their repeated and grave concerns for the future governance of the nation. As they laid out these legal analyses, they encouraged a proactive stance among citizens and lawmakers alike to safeguard the integrity of the constitutional system and advocate for accountability within the executive branch.