Historian Manfred Berg warns of signs indicating an ‘administrative coup’ in the U.S., driven by former President Trump. He highlights the questionable legal actions of the newly established agency DOGE, which lacks proper legitimacy and is reportedly collecting sensitive data and operating without oversight. This situation, compounded by the lack of resistance from Republican lawmakers and a growing disregard for judicial authority, raises concerns about the future of democracy and the rule of law in America.
Signs of an Administrative Coup in the U.S.
Historian Manfred Berg identifies alarming indicators of an ‘administrative coup’ unfolding in the United States. In a recent interview, he elaborates on how former President Trump is instigating an extraordinary constitutional crisis. He asserts that a select group is effectively transforming the state into a tool for their own agenda.
Unprecedented Government Actions
According to Berg, the actions being taken by the newly formed government efficiency agency, DOGE, are raising serious legal questions. Employees of DOGE are reportedly gaining access to various U.S. ministries and agencies, acquiring sensitive data, and even shutting down facilities without warning. The legality of these maneuvers is hotly debated, and the ultimate resolution may lie in court battles. The core issue remains whether Trump’s administration will comply with judicial rulings.
Berg emphasizes that DOGE lacks the legal standing of a recognized agency, as its establishment did not follow the necessary legislative procedures. Instead, it has been hastily created to facilitate the restructuring of the government under Trump’s leadership, with Elon Musk allegedly overseeing its operations. This raises significant concerns about the legality of its undertakings, which will likely be scrutinized by the courts.
In light of the over 40 lawsuits filed against Musk’s group, Berg questions the potential ramifications if the U.S. government were to disregard court decisions. He references a historical instance involving President Andrew Jackson, who famously dismissed a Supreme Court ruling, thus challenging the principle of separation of powers that underpins American democracy.
Furthermore, Trump’s administration is purportedly claiming that the president is not bound by judicial decisions. Berg warns that such a mindset mirrors dictatorial governance and underscores the volatile nature of the current political climate.
In addition to Washington, a federal court in New York has also ruled against DOGE’s access rights, exacerbating the tension between the judiciary and the executive branch.
As for the judiciary, Berg asserts that judges are not overstepping their authority. The executive branch is bound by law and the Constitution, and the Supreme Court holds the ultimate power to determine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions. The ongoing constitutional crisis is a direct result of the Trump administration’s maneuvers, which rely on populist rhetoric and the hope that the judicial system will be overwhelmed before it can respond effectively.
Legal experts widely regard the government’s actions as unlawful, yet the Trump administration continues to operate as though it is above the law, raising concerns about the future of judicial enforcement in the U.S.
The Role of Congress in the Current Crisis
With the Republicans holding a slim majority in both chambers of Congress, Berg observes a troubling lack of resistance from Republican lawmakers, many of whom are expressing unwavering loyalty to Trump. This dynamic allows the former president to advance his agenda without significant pushback, further eroding the separation of powers.
Historian Timothy Snyder has suggested that wealthy oligarchs are intent on dismantling the American rule of law from within. Berg concurs with this assessment, noting that there is an ongoing effort by a small group of affluent individuals to reshape the government to serve their interests, which can be classified as oligarchy. He points out the irony that, while American conservatism has long criticized government authority, those same forces are now working to reshape the government into a tool for a privileged few, rather than abolishing it altogether.