In July 2019, a Justice Department lawyer admitted the first he heard of the President’s position on a citizenship question on the census was through a tweet. This chaos and impulsiveness were characteristic of Trump’s leadership style, leading to legal battles and court losses during his time in office. Concerns arose about potential controversial policy moves in a second term, such as ending birthright citizenship and deporting millions of immigrants.
Despite these challenges, career lawyers in the Justice Department must follow the President’s direction, even if it conflicts with the law or causes ethical dilemmas. The potential for more organized legal maneuvers in a second Trump administration raises concerns for civil liberties advocates.
Key legal battles and contentious policies from Trump’s first term, such as the failed citizenship question and the travel ban, highlighted the clashes between the administration’s policies and the law. Although Trump may face challenges in achieving his goals with a conservative Supreme Court, critics remain wary of his potential impact on civil liberties and democratic norms in a second term.
Overall, the chaos and impulsive decision-making that characterized Trump’s first term may persist in a potential second term, creating further legal challenges and ethical dilemmas for career lawyers and officials within the Justice Department.
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