(Trump) is also trying to give the federal government more power over society itself.

[applegrove]

August 9, 2025 at 11:33 am EDT By Taegan Goddard 98 Comments

https://politicalwire.com/2025/08/09/not-your-fathers-republican-party-2/

Jess Bidgood: “But it’s not just that Trump wants more power over the federal government. He is also trying to give the federal government more power over society itself.”

“Since Monday, the Trump administration has moved to assert new power over institutions like colleges and banks. He has ordered a surge of law enforcement in Washington, D.C., a city that ostensibly has home rule. He has dialed up pressure on state lawmakers across the country to further shore up his power through redistricting — a goal he is also pursuing with his efforts to redo the census in pursuit of a count that would be more favorable to Republicans.”

It's presidential maximalism in action. It’s also an extension of his efforts to punish companies for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and to crack down on law firms and universities.”

[TommyT139]

1. "Maximalism" makes it sound within ordinary boundaries,

...just on the broader end.

It's not -- it's grabbing power outside of any norm simply because no one ever thought that a president would want to steal it.

[MineralMan]

2. Mad Maximalism!