May 25, 2026
The language of the American presidency doesn’t apply to Trump | Robert Reich
In his article, Robert Reich argues that the language traditionally used to describe the U.S. presidency is inadequate for Donald Trump's administration, which he characterizes as a "regime" that undermines democratic norms and the rule of law. He highlights numerous actions taken by Trump and his appointees that defy court orders, vilify judges, and violate constitutional principles, suggesting a profound departure from established governance. Reich concludes that Trump's tenure has not only been lawless but has also resulted in a catastrophic impact on American democracy and the well-being of its citizens. As a former U.S. Secretary of Labor, Reich emphasizes the importance of accountability and the moral weight of language in political discourse.
Stoic Response
Addressing the Students of the Stoa
Greetings, students. Today, we confront a matter of great significance: the judgments we make about those in power and the words we choose to describe their actions.
The Challenge of Unhealthy Judgments
In our discourse, let us be wary of the language we employ. Words are not mere sounds; they carry moral weight. When we label a regime that undermines the very foundations of democracy, we must choose our words with care.
- Recognize the gravity of terms like "regime."
- Acknowledge the implications of “lawless” actions.
- Understand the impact of vilifying language on our shared values.
Discipline of Desire, Impulse, and Assent
As Stoics, we must cultivate discipline over our desires and impulses. This discipline is essential in guiding our assent to ideas and judgments.
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Desire:
- Seek clarity and truth in your understanding of governance.
- Desire not the fleeting satisfaction of popular opinion but the enduring wisdom of justice.
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Impulse:
- Resist the urge to react hastily to political rhetoric.
- Reflect deeply before you express judgments about leaders and their actions.
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Assent:
- Only give your assent to ideas that uphold virtue and the common good.
- Challenge narratives that seek to undermine the principles of law and accountability.
Imperatives for Thoughtful Discourse
- Examine the actions of those in power critically and without bias.
- Engage in discourse that uplifts democratic values and accountability.
- Foster a community that values integrity and justice over partisanship.
In conclusion, let us wield our words with intention and wisdom. The strength of our democracy relies not merely on the actions of those in power but on our commitment to uphold the principles of justice and truth. Stay vigilant, my students, and let your judgments be guided by reason and virtue.
Article Rewritten Through Stoic Lens
Reflections on Governance and Virtue
On the Nature of Leadership
In observing the current state of our governance, I find it prudent to reflect on the essence of leadership. The language we employ to describe those in power carries profound moral weight. It is not merely the titles we bestow that matter, but the virtues they embody. In these times, the term "regime" seems more fitting than "administration," for it reflects a departure from the principles of justice and the common good.
Acceptance of Nature's Order
The actions of those in power, particularly in their disregard for established laws and norms, reveal a deeper truth about human nature. We must accept that the world is often fraught with disorder, yet within this chaos lies an opportunity for virtue. The defiance of court orders and the vilification of judges are not merely political missteps; they are reflections of a struggle against the very fabric of our society. We must acknowledge this reality without despair, understanding that such challenges are part of the human condition.
The Call for Accountability
In the face of lawlessness, we must strive for accountability—not out of anger, but as a commitment to justice. The departure of over 300,000 federal workers and the dismissal of those tasked with oversight are not just statistics; they are calls to action for those who remain. In witnessing these events, we are reminded of our duty to uphold the principles of integrity and transparency, even when those in power falter.
The Pursuit of Virtue Amidst Adversity
The persecution of marginalized groups and the silencing of dissenting voices are not only injustices; they are opportunities for us to cultivate compassion and courage. We are called to stand firm against bigotry and to support those who suffer under the weight of oppression. In this, we find our purpose—not merely to critique the actions of others, but to embody the virtues we wish to see in the world.
Understanding the True Measure of Leadership
Ultimately, the measure of any leader is not found in the accumulation of power or wealth, but in the well-being of the people they serve. As we reflect on the current state of our democracy, we must ask ourselves: Are we stronger, more united, and more virtuous? If the answer is no, then we must seek to restore balance, not through resentment, but through steadfast commitment to the common good.
Conclusion: Embracing Our Role
In these turbulent times, let us embrace our role as stewards of virtue and justice. We may not control the actions of those in power, but we can control our responses. By cultivating wisdom, courage, and compassion, we can navigate the challenges before us and contribute to a more just and harmonious society. Thus, we transform adversity into an opportunity for growth, both personally and collectively.
Source Body Text
Words matter. When describing a government, they inevitably carry moral weight. Over the past 16 months, Trump and his appointees have so profoundly undermined the United States government that different words should be used to describe them than have been used to describe all previous administrations. To begin with, they shouldn’t be called an “administration” at all. They should be referred to as a regime. A regime flagrantly defies court orders, as have Trump and his appointees. In February 2026, a federal judge, appointed by George W Bush, identified some 200 orders from the district of Minnesota that ICE had defied, concluding that it had “likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence”. A regime also vilifies judges who rule against it and demands their impeachment, exactly as the Trump regime has done. A regime usurps a legislature’s powers to declare war, issue tariffs and appropriate public funds – which is what the Trump regime has done to Congress. A regime seeks to stifle speech and silence criticism in universities, law firms and the media – again, precisely what the Trump regime has done. Secondly, this regime is not headed by a “president,” as the constitution of the United States and America’s laws and history have designated the head of the executive branch of the US government. To put the term “president” before Trump’s name defiles the constitution. More than 300,000 federal workers have left their jobs under Trump, including tens of thousands who were fired. He has fired inspectors general who are charged with holding political appointees accountable. He punishes whistleblowers who protest against abuses. He attacks marginalized groups and foments bigotry. He is openly persecuting political opponents. He has doled out pardons to convicted felons who are political supporters or financial contributors – including a Honduran president who smuggled 400 tons of cocaine into the US, and January 6 seditionists. He has sent federal troops into states and cities headed by Democratic officials. These are not the actions of someone whom the constitution defines as president of the United States. Thirdly, Trump and his regime’s disregard for law is so monumental that it negates what we have come to understand as a “government of laws”. A better word for it is lawless. Consider that by the end of January, eight people had died in their dealings with ICE this year. Thirty-two people died last year in the custody of ICE. That’s more than in the preceding 20 years. People only suspected of being in the US illegally have been detained or deported by masked and armed immigration agents, without a hearing. People suspected of smuggling drugs have been murdered by the US military in international waters, in violation of international law. Meanwhile, Trump is accepting gifts from foreign powers, in open violation of the constitution. He has blatantly promoted his family’s crypto business and implemented policies favorable to it. He has sued the Internal Revenue Service for $10bn for allegedly leaking information about his past tax returns to the media. In response, his justice department is offering to set up a $1.8bn slush fund to compensate people deemed to have been unfairly convicted – including, perhaps, the 1,500 people who attacked the US Capitol on 6 January 2021. The justice department is also dropping IRS audits of Trump and his family. All of this goes way beyond specific illegal acts. A different term should be used to describe what Trump and his regime are doing to the law. They are lawless. Finally, the true test of a successful president of the US and his (eventually her) administration is not how much power he accumulates or how much he gets done. The real test is how much better off are the American people and how much stronger is our democracy. By these measures, Trump and his regime are not just lawless. They are a catastrophe. Robert Reich, a former US secretary of labor, is a professor of public policy emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley. He is a Guardian US columnist and his newsletter is at robertreich.substack.com. His new book, Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America, is out now in the US and in the UK