How Conflict and Interesting Crypto Rules Impact President Trump: A Deep Dive into the Complex Dynamics of Power

The political career of former U.S. President Donald Trump has been marked by unique challenges, deep divides, and a consistent clash with established norms. The way Trump navigated conflicts and rules throughout his presidency—both in his policies and public persona—has shaped American politics and international relations in profound ways. This 3000-word essay will explore how conflict and interesting, often controversial, rules played a significant role in Trump's time in office and his continued influence in American politics today.

1. The Nature of Conflict in Trump's Political Identity

Donald Trump's rise to political prominence was rooted in his outsider status. His unconventional approach to politics—especially in contrast to traditional figures within the Republican Party—highlighted a conflict of ideologies and methods that would define his career. He consistently challenged political norms, whether it was his bluntness, his disregard for traditional political etiquette, or his ability to stay unscathed despite numerous controversies.

The 2016 Presidential Campaign: A New Kind of Conflict

When Trump announced his candidacy for president in 2015, few expected the scale of political conflict he would bring to the fore. His campaign was fueled by harsh rhetoric that criticized established political systems, elites, and the political class, which resonated with a large segment of disillusioned Americans. Trump's positions on immigration, trade, and foreign policy sparked intense debates and set the stage for the political warfare that would characterize his time in office.

His antagonism toward the political establishment wasn't just limited to his rivals in the Democratic Party—it extended to factions within his own Republican Party. Figures like Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, and even establishment figures like Paul Ryan found themselves at odds with Trump. His campaign was a forceful declaration of conflict: between those who held the reins of American political power and those who felt marginalized by the system. Trump capitalized on this conflict, creating a narrative of "us vs. them" that still resonates with his base today.

The Media War

Another arena of conflict that shaped Trump's presidency was his relationship with the media. Trump's frequent criticisms of the "fake news" media and his hostile interactions with journalists were central to his appeal among his supporters. He used this conflict to frame himself as a champion of the American people, standing up against the so-called biased, corrupt media. Trump's ability to dominate news cycles, often through inflammatory statements or tweets, demonstrated his mastery of media manipulation and conflict engagement. His relationship with the press wasn't just adversarial—it was strategic.

The ongoing tension between Trump and the media reached new heights when he was accused of undermining the First Amendment by labeling certain outlets as enemies of the people. This was a direct challenge to the norms of journalistic freedom, furthering the divide between Trump and the traditional political elite. The press, however, played a critical role in monitoring his policies and actions, often providing contrasting narratives that fueled public debates.

2. Trump's Approach to Rules and Governance

Throughout his presidency, Trump’s approach to rules—both legal and moral—was one of flexibility. His tendency to bend or break traditional norms led to controversies, but it also provided him with a political edge. Understanding the complex relationship between rules and Trump’s governing style requires examining how his administration interpreted and sometimes redefined institutional frameworks.

The Rule of Law: Challenges and Manipulations

Trump’s interactions with the rule of law were marked by a stark divergence from previous administrations. Whether through his executive orders on immigration (such as the travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries), his decisions regarding environmental regulations, or his handling of the investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election, Trump’s presidency seemed defined by a near-constant pushback against established legal structures.

One of the most significant examples of this was his approach to the Robert Mueller investigation, which sought to determine whether his campaign colluded with Russia. While Trump repeatedly referred to the investigation as a "witch hunt," he also took steps to interfere with it, including attempting to fire Mueller at various points. His actions raised questions about the integrity of American institutions and whether the president was above the law.

The impeachment proceedings that followed in 2019—first for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, and then again in 2021, after the January 6th Capitol riot—were clear indications of how Trump’s governing style clashed with the checks and balances of the American system. Despite these challenges, Trump’s ability to hold onto power and retain his base of support demonstrated his knack for bending the rules to his advantage.

The “Art of the Deal” and Rule-Breaking

Trump’s well-known book, The Art of the Deal, introduced his followers to a style of negotiation that prized hardball tactics, persuasion, and leveraging power. He believed in making deals, sometimes by flouting norms or playing hard to get. As president, this approach was seen in his dealings with foreign leaders, especially in his unconventional relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as well as his dealings with China and other global powers. While some praised his willingness to break from traditional diplomatic norms, others criticized it as reckless and unstructured.

Trump’s approach to global trade was another example of his rule-breaking. By imposing tariffs on China and questioning long-standing trade agreements, Trump introduced a level of unpredictability that kept global markets and governments on edge. Whether or not these actions ultimately led to positive results is still debated, but they exemplified his unconventional take on international relations and diplomacy, rooted in conflict and negotiation rather than adherence to established norms.

3. The Political Backlash: Conflict Between Trump and His Opponents

Trump’s presidency also brought about a level of political conflict between him and his opponents that had never been seen in modern American history. His populist rise and polarizing policies created a backlash that led to protests, marches, and unprecedented levels of resistance, particularly from left-leaning activists, academics, and even some members of his own party. The Democratic Party, in particular, found itself in a constant state of opposition, organizing campaigns for the 2018 midterms and the 2020 presidential election with the goal of dismantling Trump’s political agenda.

Protests and Social Movements

The Trump era saw a sharp rise in grassroots movements, including the Women's March, the Black Lives Matter movement, and protests against the administration’s policies on immigration, healthcare, and climate change. These movements represented a powerful form of resistance, one that sought to challenge the president’s controversial policies. The 2020 protests following George Floyd's death and the nationwide response to Trump’s handling of the pandemic were just a few examples of how social movements became a counterweight to Trump’s leadership, creating a direct conflict between his supporters and detractors.

The divide between Trump’s base and the opposition was exacerbated by a series of high-profile incidents, such as the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Lives Matter protests, and the 2020 presidential election. His rhetoric during the election, including the unfounded claims of voter fraud, intensified political divisions, culminating in the January 6th Capitol riot.

The Capitol Insurrection: A Defining Conflict

The January 6th insurrection represented the pinnacle of political conflict during Trump’s time in office. After weeks of insisting that the 2020 election was “stolen,” Trump’s rhetoric emboldened a violent mob that stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the election results. This event not only marked a turning point in American political history but also demonstrated the catastrophic consequences of disregarding political norms and the rules of democracy.

Trump’s role in the insurrection, and the subsequent second impeachment, ignited a fierce debate over the limits of presidential power and the responsibility of elected officials to uphold the rule of law. His actions during this period would define his legacy for years to come and illustrate how deeply conflict and the manipulation of rules can have long-lasting impacts on democratic institutions.

4. Legacy of Conflict and Rule-Breaking: Trump’s Lasting Influence

Despite his departure from office, Trump’s legacy remains deeply embedded in American political discourse. The intense conflicts he engaged in—both political and legal—have transformed the Republican Party, the media landscape, and even the broader political ecosystem. Trump's embrace of chaos and his rejection of traditional norms have set new precedents for how American politicians engage with power, the law, and the media.

As the 2024 presidential race looms, Trump’s influence on the Republican Party and his base of supporters continues to be a major factor in shaping the party's direction. His approach to rules and conflict—often contradictory, always controversial—has created a new political environment in which norms are constantly being questioned, and established institutions are under intense scrutiny.

Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of Trump’s Political Approach

Donald Trump’s presidency was one of conflict, rule-breaking, and unprecedented challenges to American political systems. His use of conflict as a tool, both domestically and internationally, reshaped how American politics is conducted and how politicians approach power. Whether his legacy will be one of lasting reform or lasting damage remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that Trump’s reign challenged the status quo and left an indelible mark on the political landscape. The interplay of conflict and rules during his presidency continues to define the political discourse in ways both predictable and unpredictable, and his impact on the 2024 election—and beyond—will undoubtedly continue to be felt for years to come.