News
How constitutional guardrails have always contained presidential ambitions
The article discusses concerns regarding Trump’s second term and potential threats to American democracy, highlighting historical presidential power expansions and emphasizing the resilience of democratic institutions against authoritarianism in the U.S.
Victor Menaldo, University of Washington
As Donald Trump’s second inauguration fast approaches, concerns he threatens American democracy are rising yet again. Some warnings have cited Trump’s authoritarian rhetoric, willingness to undermine or malign institutions meant to constrain any president, and a combative style that strives to stretch executive power as far as possible.
Authoritarianism erodes property rights and the rule of law, so financial markets typically respond with alarm to political unrest. If major investors and corporations really believed the United States was on the brink of dictatorship, there would be large-scale capital flight, equity sell-offs, spikes in U.S. credit default swaps or rising bond yields unexplained by typical macroeconomic factors such as inflation forecasts.
Instead, there have been no systematic signs of such market reactions, nor an investor exodus from American markets. Quite the contrary.
This absence of alarm is not conclusive proof that democracy is safe forever, nor that Trump cannot damage American democracy at all. But it does suggest that credible institutions and investors who literally bet on political outcomes for a living do not view an American autocracy as imminent or even likely.
This is probably because the mechanics of upending American democracy would entail surmounting a thick tangle of constitutional, bureaucratic, legal and political obstacles. As a political economist who has written widely about the constitutional foundations of modern democracies, I submit it’s far more complicated than one man issuing brash executive orders.
Presidents have long seized more power
Throughout American history, presidents have achieved far greater expansions of executive power than Trump did in his first term.
Abraham Lincoln suspended habeas corpus during the Civil War, allowing detention without trial. He bypassed Congress through sweeping executive actions, most notably the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared freedom for enslaved people in Confederate states.
Woodrow Wilson created administrative agencies and imposed draconian censorship during World War I via the Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918.
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s court-packing plan failed to pass, but it still cowed the Supreme Court into deference. His New Deal bureaucracy centralized vast powers in the executive branch.
Lyndon B. Johnson obtained the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, transferring major war-making powers from Congress to the presidency. Richard Nixon invoked executive privilege and ordered secret bombings in Cambodia, steps that largely bypassed congressional oversight.
George W. Bush expanded executive prerogatives after 9/11 with warrantless wiretapping and indefinite detention. Barack Obama faced criticism for the dubious legal rationale behind drone strikes targeting U.S. citizens deemed enemy combatants abroad.
These historical examples should not be conflated with an actual ability to impose one-man rule, though. The United States, whatever its imperfections, has a deeply layered system of checks and balances that has repeatedly stymied presidents of both parties when they tried to govern by decree.
Trump’s openly combative style was in many ways less adept at entrenching presidential power than many of his predecessors. During his first term, he broadcast his intentions so transparently that it galvanized numerous institutional forces – judges, bureaucrats, state officials, inspectors general – to resist his attempts. While Trump’s rhetoric was more incendiary, other presidents achieved deeper expansions of the executive branch more discreetly.
Trump’s Jan. 6 plan was never realistic
Trump’s failure to impose his will became particularly evident on Jan. 6, 2021, when claims that an “auto-coup” was afoot never translated into the real-world mechanics that would have kept him in office beyond the end of his term.
Even before the Electoral Count Reform Act made the process clearer in 2022, scholars agreed that under the 12th Amendment the vice president’s role in certifying the election is purely ministerial, giving him no constitutional basis to replace or discard certified electoral votes. Similarly, state laws mandate that certification is a mandatory, ministerial duty, preventing officials from arbitrarily refusing to certify election results.
Had Pence refused to certify the Electoral College vote count, it is more likely than not that courts would have swiftly ordered Congress to proceed. Moreover, the 20th Amendment fixed noon on Jan. 20 as the end of the outgoing president’s term, making it impossible for Trump to remain in power just by creating delay or confusion.
The idea that Pence’s refusal to certify could erase state-certified votes, or coerce Congress into accepting alternate slates, had no firm grounding in law or precedent. After Jan. 20, the outgoing president would simply cease to hold office. Thus, the chain of events needed for an auto-coup to occur in 2021 would have fallen apart under the weight of well-established procedures.
A massive bureaucracy
Potential avenues of power consolidation during Trump’s impending second term are equally narrow. The federal bureaucracy makes it exceedingly difficult for a president to rule by fiat.
The Department of Justice alone comprises roughly 115,000 employees, including over 10,000 attorneys and 13,000 FBI agents, most of them career civil servants protected by the Civil Service Reform Act and whistleblower laws. They have their own professional standards and can challenge or reveal political interference. If an administration tries to remove them en masse, it runs into protracted appeals processes, legal constraints, the need to conduct a bevy of lengthy background checks and a crippling loss of institutional knowledge.
Past episodes, including the George W. Bush administration’s politically motivated dismissals of U.S. attorneys in 2006 and 2007, illustrate that congressional oversight and internal department practices can still produce major pushback, resignations and scandals that thwart political interference with the Justice Department.
Independent regulatory agencies also resist being dominated by the president. Many are designed so that no more than three out of five commissioners can belong to the same political party, ensuring some measure of bipartisan representation. Minority commissioners can deploy a host of procedural tools – delaying votes, demanding comprehensive studies, calling for hearings – that slow down or block controversial proposals. This makes it harder for a single leader to unilaterally impose policy. Those minority commissioners can also alert the media and Congress to questionable moves, inviting investigations or public scrutiny.
In addition, a 2024 Supreme Court ruling shifted the power to interpret federal laws, as passed by Congress, away from executive branch government agencies. Now, federal judges play a more active role in determining what Congress’ words mean. This requires agencies to operate within narrower bounds and to produce stronger evidence to justify their decisions. In practical terms, an administration now has less leeway to stretch statutes for partisan or authoritarian ends without encountering judicial pushback.
Layers of defenses
American democracy has vulnerabilities, and other democracies have collapsed under powerful executives before. But in my view, it’s not reasonable to draw definitive lessons from a tiny number of extreme outliers, such as Hitler in 1933 or the handful of elected leaders who staged more recent auto-coups in fragile or developing democracies such as Argentina, Peru, Turkey and even Hungary.
The United States stands out for having a complex federal system, entrenched legal practices and multiple layers of institutional friction. Those protections have historically proven adept at limiting presidential overreach – whether subtle or bombastic.
In addition, state-level politicians, including attorneys general and governors, have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to challenge federal overreach through litigation and noncooperation.
The military’s professional culture of civilian control and constitutional fidelity, consistently upheld by the courts, provides another safeguard. For instance, in 1952 the Supreme Court ruling in Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co. v. Sawyer reversed President Harry Truman’s order that the military seize privately owned steel mills to ensure supply during the Korean War.
All those institutional checks are further buttressed by a robust civil society that can mobilize legal challenges, advocacy campaigns and grassroots resistance. Corporations can wield economic influence through public statements, campaign funding decisions and policy stances – as many did in the aftermath of Jan. 6.
Taken together, these overlapping layers of resistance make the path to autocracy far more challenging than many casual observers might assume. These protections also may explain why most Americans are resigned to Trump’s second term: Many may have come to realize that the nation’s democratic experiment is not at stake – and probably never was.
Victor Menaldo, Professor of Political Science, Co-founder of the Political Economy Forum, University of Washington
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Last Updated on April 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff
🕒 [UPDATE] Solar Arrays Successfully Deployed
NASA confirms Orion’s solar arrays have deployed, providing power for the spacecraft as it prepares for its journey beyond Earth orbit.
Artemis II Successfully Launches
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has successfully launched its Artemis II mission, marking the first crewed journey toward the Moon in more than 50 years.
The powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, carrying four astronauts on a 10-day mission around the Moon and back.
On board are Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The mission is already being hailed as a major milestone in NASA’s effort to return humans to deep space.
Shortly after liftoff, the Orion spacecraft successfully reached orbit and deployed its solar arrays, beginning its journey that will eventually send the crew on a translunar trajectory toward the Moon. 
Artemis II is a lunar flyby mission, meaning astronauts will not land but will travel farther from Earth than any human mission in decades while testing critical systems needed for future landings.
The mission also marks several historic firsts, including the first woman and the first person of color—Victor Glover—to travel into lunar space.
NASA says the mission is a key step toward future lunar landings and long-term plans to establish a human presence on the Moon later this decade.
🚀 What’s Next:
A critical engine burn in the coming days will send Orion out of Earth orbit and toward the Moon, continuing humanity’s return to deep space exploration.
🔗 Related External Links & Sources
For official updates and in-depth mission details, visit the following trusted sources:
- NASA: Artemis II Mission Overview
- NASA Artemis Program (Return to the Moon)
- Orion Spacecraft – Mission Details
- Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket Overview
- Kennedy Space Center – Launch Operations
- Watch NASA Live Coverage and Replays
🧾 Sources
- NASA official launch coverage and mission updates
- NASA Artemis II press materials and briefings
- NASA Kennedy Space Center launch operations updates
Stay with STM Daily News for live updates on Artemis II.
Last Updated on April 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Published: April 1, 2026 | By: STM Daily News
Source: NASA/John Kraus
Artemis II countdown is underway
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The countdown has officially begun for Artemis II, NASA’s highly anticipated return to crewed lunar missions, marking a historic step toward sending humans back to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years.
At precisely 4:44 p.m. EDT, the countdown clock started ticking at Kennedy Space Center, targeting a 6:24 p.m. launch on Wednesday, April 1. The mission will be the first crewed flight of NASA’s powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. The Artemis II mission marks NASA’s first crewed journey toward the Moon since the Apollo era, using the powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft.
The mission is part of NASA’s broader Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence for future Mars exploration.
Launch operations are being conducted at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the historic site of previous Apollo and Space Shuttle missions.
🚀 Final Preparations Underway
Inside the Rocco Petrone Launch Control Center, engineers and launch teams are actively powering up flight systems, verifying communications, and preparing for one of the most complex fueling operations ever attempted.
The rocket will be loaded with hundreds of thousands of gallons of super-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, a delicate process requiring precise timing and coordination.
Meanwhile, at Launch Complex 39B, crews are filling the sound suppression system—a massive water tank designed to release a high-volume deluge at liftoff, protecting the rocket from extreme acoustic energy generated during launch.
Source: NASA / Bill Ingalls
👨🚀 Crew in Quarantine Ahead of Launch
The four-person crew remains in quarantine at the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building, undergoing final medical checks and mission briefings.
- Reid Wiseman – Commander
- Victor Glover – Pilot
- Christina Koch – Mission Specialist
- Jeremy Hansen – Mission Specialist (Canadian Space Agency)
Glover, a Southern California native and Ontario High School graduate, is set to make history as the first Black astronaut to travel to lunar space—bringing a powerful local connection to this global mission.
The crew is following a controlled sleep and nutrition schedule while receiving continuous updates on launch conditions and spacecraft readiness.
🌤️ Weather Conditions 80% Favorable
NASA and U.S. Space Force weather teams are closely monitoring conditions ahead of fueling operations. Current forecasts show an 80% chance of favorable weather, with concerns focused on potential cloud cover and high winds.
Weather will continue to be evaluated as the countdown progresses.
📺 How to Watch the Launch Live
NASA will provide live coverage throughout launch day:
- 7:45 a.m. EDT – Tanking operations coverage begins (NASA YouTube)
- 12:50 p.m. EDT – Full launch coverage begins on NASA+
Viewers can also follow along via NASA’s official social media platforms for real-time updates.
🚀 Artemis II Mission Snapshot
- Mission: Artemis II
- Agency: NASA
- Launch Vehicle: Space Launch System (SLS)
- Spacecraft: Orion
- Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center (LC-39B)
- Mission Duration: ~10 days
- Objective: Crewed lunar flyby (no landing)
- Commander: Reid Wiseman
- Pilot: Victor Glover
- Mission Specialists: Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen
🌕 A Mission Decades in the Making
Artemis II will send astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back, serving as a critical test flight for future lunar landings under NASA’s Artemis program.
The mission is designed to validate deep space navigation, life support systems, and spacecraft performance—laying the groundwork for Artemis III, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface.
As the countdown continues, all eyes are now on Florida’s Space Coast for what could become one of the most significant spaceflight milestones of the 21st century.
🧾 Sources & References
- NASA – Artemis II Mission Updates and Press Materials
- NASA Kennedy Space Center Launch Operations Briefings
- NASA Artemis Program Overview
- Official NASA Broadcast and Launch Coverage
For more details on NASA’s Artemis II mission and live launch coverage, explore the official resources below:
🔗 Related External Links & Sources
- NASA: Artemis II Mission Overview
- NASA Artemis Program Explained
- Kennedy Space Center Official Site
- Orion Spacecraft Details
- Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket Overview
- Watch Artemis II Live on NASA YouTube
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Artemis II?
Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed mission in its Artemis program, sending astronauts on a flight around the Moon to test systems for future lunar landings.
When is the Artemis II launch?
The mission is targeting a launch on April 1, 2026, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Will Artemis II land on the Moon?
No, Artemis II is a lunar flyby mission designed to test spacecraft systems before a future landing mission.
Who is Victor Glover?
Victor Glover is a NASA astronaut and Artemis II pilot who will become the first Black astronaut to travel to lunar space.
Stay with STM Daily News for continuing coverage of Artemis II and NASA’s return to the Moon.
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Travel Advisory
Traveling to Mexico this spring? Here’s what to know about current advisories
Traveling to Mexico this spring? Visitors should be aware of state-specific travel advisories, as safety concerns in one region do not affect major resort areas like Cancun and Los Cabos, currently rated Level 2, which encourages increased caution. Monitoring official updates is essential for informed travel decisions amidst evolving conditions.
Last Updated on March 30, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Traveling to Mexico this spring? Here’s what to know about current advisories
(Tiffany Miller for ALG Vacations) For some travelers counting down to spring break, recent headlines about violence in parts of Mexico have sparked a new question: Should I cancel my trip? Travel advisors say they are seeing a surge in calls and emails from clients trying to determine whether developments in one region affect major resort areas elsewhere.
The questions follow several days of unrest in parts of Mexico after security operations targeting organized crime leaders prompted temporary flight disruptions and shelter-in-place guidance for U.S. government personnel in areas including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. In this article, ALG Vacations explains what current travel advisories mean for spring break travelers heading to Mexico.
The U.S. State Department evaluates Mexico state by state, not as a single destination, and advisory levels vary by region. Many major beach destinations, including Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum and Los Cabos, are currently under a Level 2 advisory, which encourages travelers to exercise increased caution. It does not discourage travel.
Part of the confusion stems from geography. Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific coast, is roughly 1,300 miles from Cancun and the Riviera Maya on the Caribbean side, about the distance between New York and Miami. Because advisories are assigned state by state, developments in one region do not automatically alter another.
In recent days, that uncertainty has translated into additional inquiries about whether specific resort areas are experiencing disruptions. U.S. Embassy security alerts issued this week indicate that temporary shelter-in-place guidance affecting Puerto Vallarta was lifted and that flight operations resumed. The advisory level for the Mexican state of Quintana Roo remains unchanged.
Some clients are asking about alternatives, advisors say, but many are continuing with their plans after reviewing official updates. Travel patterns often shift in response to breaking headlines, they add, before stabilizing as clearer information becomes available.
The State Department assigns travel advisories on a four-tier scale ranging from Level 1, exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, do not travel. While Level 2 encourages increased awareness, Level 3 and Level 4 carry stronger language discouraging or restricting travel.
Advisories are reviewed regularly and can be updated as conditions evolve. The State Department’s Mexico advisory page breaks down conditions by state, reflecting the country’s federal structure rather than issuing a single national designation. Travelers can also enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which provides real-time security updates and allows U.S. officials to contact citizens in an emergency.
Embassy notices state that airports, hotels and tourism services in Quintana Roo are operating normally. Security conditions across Mexico vary widely by state, with some regions carrying higher advisories and others designated Level 1. Most destinations popular with U.S. travelers are currently classified as Level 2.
As spring break approaches, advisors say informed decision-making depends on reviewing the advisories assigned to a specific destination and monitoring official updates, rather than reacting to national headlines alone. Travel decisions ultimately depend on individual comfort levels, they add, but advisory levels are assigned regionally and should be evaluated accordingly.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
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