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Fact check: WILL TRUMP BECOME A KING

Checked on June 13, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The question of whether "Trump will become a king" requires important context and nuance. While Trump is not literally seeking to become a monarch, multiple sources indicate he is attempting to significantly expand presidential powers in ways that critics argue are monarchical in nature. He has been documented using king-like rhetoric, such as calling himself "the king" after defeating a New York traffic toll plan [1], while simultaneously pursuing concrete policy changes that would expand executive authority.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial pieces of context emerge from the analyses:

  • Trump is actively promoting the "unitary executive theory," which would give the president complete control over the executive branch [2] [3]
  • He has initiated unprecedented actions including:
  • Mass firings of federal employees [3]
  • Attempts to control independent regulatory agencies [4]
  • Deployment of troops and staging military parades [5]
  • Expansion of executive authority during the COVID-19 pandemic [6]

Legal experts, including Harvard law professors, have explicitly warned that these actions test constitutional boundaries [4]. Trump's efforts appear focused on systematically reducing checks and balances within the government structure [7].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement's simplistic framing obscures several important aspects:

  • Rhetorical vs. Practical Reality: While Trump uses monarchical rhetoric, the real concern centers on practical expansion of executive power through legal and administrative means [7] [3]
  • Beneficiaries and Motivations:
  • Trump's administration would benefit from reduced oversight and expanded executive authority [7]
  • Critics suggest these actions may be attempts to distract from unpopular policies [5]
  • Constitutional Context: Multiple Democratic governors and legal experts have criticized these moves as unconstitutional [1], highlighting the fundamental tension between expanded executive power and American democratic principles.

The situation is more complex than a simple yes/no answer, involving subtle legal, constitutional, and practical considerations rather than literal monarchical aspirations.

Want to dive deeper?
Can a US President legally become a monarch under the Constitution?
What are the constitutional limits on presidential power in America?
Has Trump ever expressed interest in extending presidential terms?
What would need to change for America to become a monarchy?
How do democratic institutions prevent authoritarian takeover in the US?