Donald Trump’s presidency has significantly changed how the United States engages with other countries. Instead of working closely with allies, Trump has adopted an “America First” approach, often acting unilaterally. This trend has intensified during his second term, especially regarding immigration policies and the use of presidential powers.
In May 2025, during an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump was asked whether he must follow the Constitution as president. He responded, “I don’t know. I have brilliant lawyers who work for me and will follow what the Supreme Court said.” When asked if everyone in America deserves due process, he said, “I don’t know. I’m not a lawyer.”
Trump justified his view by claiming that it would be impossible to provide fair trials for millions of immigrants. “We’d have to have a million or 2 million or 3 million trials,” he said, adding that there are “thousands of people that are murderers and drug dealers and some of the worst people on Earth.” He asserted that he was elected to remove them and that the courts were hindering his efforts.
In contrast, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that due process rights apply to all individuals in the U.S.
The Trump administration has pushed the limits of presidential authority by using the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law, to expedite deportations without traditional court processes. Many judges, including some appointed by Trump, have ruled against this approach. Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. said the president’s use of this law exceeds its intended purpose and is, therefore, unlawful.
The Supreme Court has intervened several times, with one justice warning that deporting individuals without fair processes could lead to persecution, torture, and death. In one case, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man, was wrongfully deported despite a judge’s order for him to remain in the U.S. The Supreme Court instructed the government to reinstate Garcia, but Trump’s team has been slow to act. When asked about efforts to return Garcia, Trump said, “You’d have to ask the attorney general that question.”
Experts offer varying perspectives on Trump’s approach. Dr. Richard N. Haass, a foreign policy expert, argues that Trump has shifted from American leadership to American sovereignty, prioritizing national interests. Dr. Rakib Al Hasan, who studies international partnerships, warns that Trump’s unpredictable methods create opportunities and challenges for U.S. allies, suggesting that his disregard for democratic norms could encourage similar behavior from other leaders. Amanda Terkel, an editor at NBC News, highlights how courts have repeatedly ruled against Trump’s policies, raising questions about presidential power. Dr. Elizabeth Burrows, who works at the U.S. Department of Energy, notes that Trump’s approach affects America’s global reputation.
Experts predict four potential outcomes of Trump’s presidency, along with their likelihood based on current trends:
1. Success for America First (25% chance): Trump’s tough stance could lead to better international deals, potentially resulting in 5-10% wage increases for American manufacturing workers by 2026.
2. Constitutional Crisis (35% chance): Trump’s continued overreach could lead to significant conflicts with the courts and Congress. Over one-third of legal scholars predict this outcome, noting that Trump has faced 27 major court rulings against his immigration policies in his second term, more than any president in modern history.
3. America Becomes Isolated (30% chance): As the U.S. withdraws from international agreements, it risks losing global influence. Nearly a third of foreign policy experts believe this is already happening, pointing to a 40% decline in trust among allied nations in U.S. leadership.
4. American Democracy Holds Strong (10% chance): American institutions may successfully limit presidential overreach while addressing legitimate concerns. Only 1 in 10 political scientists view this as the most likely outcome, but they cite 15 bipartisan congressional bills that have passed despite executive opposition as evidence it remains possible.
Supporters of Trump argue that his “America First” approach corrects decades of poor international deals, asserting that the mandate from voters justifies his decisive actions. They point to fewer illegal border crossings as evidence of success.
Critics, including judges appointed by Republican and Democratic presidents, warn that ignoring due process weakens American laws. The Supreme Court has affirmed that the Fifth Amendment guarantees due process rights to everyone, including non-citizens, in deportation cases.
Trump has faced numerous legal defeats, with courts blocking his attempts to use the Alien Enemies Act. Judges insist that individuals facing deportation deserve at least some court review. The administration has also fired immigration judges and halted legal assistance for unaccompanied immigrant children, further reducing legal protections.
Internationally, Trump’s policies have resulted in trade conflicts, strained relationships with allies, and a retreat from global leadership on issues like climate change. Dr. Haass emphasizes that this marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, with implications that will affect global politics for years.