The Conversation Weekly The Making of an Autocrat: beat the courts
Dec 28, 2025
Paul Collins, a law and political science professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, discusses the intricate relationship between presidential power and the judiciary. He highlights Donald Trump's aggressive tactics against judges, including personal attacks that have politicized the courts. Collins contrasts Trump's approach with past presidents' respect for judicial independence and explores pivotal Supreme Court cases that could redefine executive authority. He also draws parallels between Trump's strategies and those of historical autocrats, signaling potential threats to democratic norms.
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Personal Attacks Undermine Judicial Norms
- Donald Trump routinely attacks judges and delays legal processes to weaken the rule of law.
- Paul Collins says this personal antagonism and litigation strategy undermines judicial norms and safety.
Key Cases Could Reshape Executive Power
- Two Supreme Court cases will shape Trump's ability to use tariffs and to fire executive-branch employees without cause.
- Collins warns these rulings could let the president politicize and paralyze federal agencies.
Watch Executive Orders When Congress Is Gridlocked
- Recognize that gridlocked Congress makes executive orders the primary policy tool for presidents.
- Expect and monitor legal challenges since executive governance is reversible by future administrations.