From Reagan’s ‘shining city,’ there’s now an ominous darkness in America under Trump’s lawless abuse of power

The current U.S. president likes to present himself as a champion of fighting crime, but his record paints a very different picture. This president undermines the law at every turn.

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and Prime Minister Mark Carney, pictured in the Oval Office on May 6, 2025. What America is offering the world under Trump’s administration is neither admirable, inspirational, nor defensible, writes Michael Harris. Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok

Opinion

BY MICHAEL HARRIS

December 8, 2025

HALIFAX—The United States has given the world a lot firsts, including some of the most inspirational moments in human history.

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