In a memorable turn of phrase, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared that under Donald Trump, “the rule of law is being replaced by the rule of Don.” This catchy declaration encapsulates Newsom’s entire argument: that Trump’s political style is a threat to the constitutional fabric of the United States.
Newsom coined the phrase while warning that Trump is seriously considering a third-term run. He used his firsthand account of an Oval Office meeting, where Trump allegedly discussed this ambition, as prime evidence for the emergence of this new “rule.”
The “rule of Don” suggests a system based on personal whim, loyalty, and ambition rather than on established legal principles and democratic norms. It evokes a sense of authoritarianism, where the leader’s desires supersede the country’s foundational laws, like the 22nd Amendment.
By giving the threat a name, Newsom is making it easier for the public to understand and rally against. It’s a powerful piece of political branding that distills a complex constitutional argument into a simple, alarming concept that is likely to feature heavily in the political discourse to come.