Get Rid of Independent Checks on Power
A core tactic of kleptocrats worldwide is weakening independent checks on their power. Already, Trump (and other members of the administration) are taking steps to implement their theory of unitary executive authority. One emerging result of these actions is that there are fewer mechanisms for holding members of the administration accountable for abuses of office. This section details a number of the steps already taken which match the pattern of kleptocrats worldwide. It is by no means exhaustive.
Executive power grabs
Executive power grabs take many forms. Some of the actions documented here include sidelining Congress, intimidating the opposition, and ignoring and threatening the courts.
Centralizing executive authority
To centralize executive authority, the Trump administration has pursued several tactics, including weaponizing the Department of Justice and attacking the professional civil service and independent regulators.
Beyond the federal government
The Trump administration isn’t just targeting different elements of the federal government. To remove checks on power, the administration is also going after nonprofit organizations, the legal profession, and state and local governments
Scientific integrity and academic freedom
Kleptocratic regimes often undermine independent science to consolidate power and suppress inconvenient truths, skewing data, hindering transparency, and prioritizing political loyalty over public welfare. They may attack scientists who report on issues of safety, public health, or environmental harm that run counter to the economic interests of the regime's supporters. They may also cut off funding, especially when research does not meet the ideological standards of the administration. Recent moves under the Trump administration illustrate this trend.