The Trump Administration Has Perfected the Performance of Legality

"In response to his sentencing following his conviction on 34 felonies in May 2024, President Trump stated that he had "won the election in a massive landslide, and the people of this country understand what's gone on. This has been a weaponization of government." Despite his conviction, Judge Juan Merchan sentenced him to an unconditional discharge with no consequences like prison, probation, or even fines."

"In an interview last year with Kristen Welker on Meet the Press, when asked about his obligation to uphold the Constitution, Trump responded, "I don't know." In his conversation with Welker, he also defied a Supreme Court decision that ordered the return of immigrant Kilmar Armando Ábrego García from El Salvador, where he had been deported thanks to what the Trump administration termed "an administrative error.""

"On February 16, 2025, he wrote on X, "He who saves his Country does not violate any Law." This assertion contrasts with his demonstrated pattern of disregarding legal constraints and constitutional obligations, suggesting a framework where executive action in service of national interest supersedes legal compliance."

President Trump, following his 34-felony conviction in May 2024, received an unconditional discharge with no penalties, claiming government weaponization. Judge Merchan determined this was the only lawful sentence protecting presidential authority. Trump has demonstrated inconsistency regarding constitutional obligations, stating "I don't know" when asked about upholding the Constitution. He defied a Supreme Court decision ordering the return of a deported immigrant, claiming non-involvement in the case's legality. Meanwhile, Trump has asserted that saving one's country supersedes legal violations, suggesting a framework where executive action justifies circumventing legal constraints.

Read at The Nation