Trump Presidential Power Expansion 2026: One Year of Shifting Global Order

They’ve shaken hands, but the fists remain clenched. As of January 20, 2026, President Donald Trump marks exactly one year since his return to the Oval Office. It’s been a year defined by a rapid centralization of authority that’s catching allies and adversaries alike off guard.

Trump Presidential Power Expansion 2026 and Executive Mandates

The Trump administration hasn't wasted a moment. According to reports from the Associated Press, the President has utilized executive orders at an unprecedented rate to bypass legislative gridlock. By reclassifying federal employees and tightening the grip on the Department of Justice, the executive branch has seen a massive surge in direct control. While supporters cheer the dismantling of the 'Deep State,' critics warn that the traditional checks and balances are being pushed to their breaking point.

Reshaping Global Relations through Transactional Diplomacy

The impact on global relations is equally profound. The administration’s 'America First' doctrine has evolved into a highly transactional framework. From demanding higher defense spending from NATO members to imposing new tariffs on key trading partners, the US is redrawing the map of international cooperation. As reported by Reuters, this shift marks the most significant departure from multilateralism in decades.