Seven Signs that Donald Trump Has Transformed the US Government into a Personalist Regime

Trump has put his name—and face—all over our government. And he's taken corruption to a new level.

Jun 01, 2026

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Don Moynihan is the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Professor of Public Policy at the University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy. Subscribe to his Substack, Can We Still Govern?

When asked about constraints on his power, President Trump replied: “There is one thing. My own morality.” Not Congress. Not courts. Not the Constitution. Not law, domest…

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A guest post by

Don Moynihan

Professor of Public Policy, Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan. Immigrant. Researches and teaches about government, administrative burdens, and politicization.