Krugman links Trump’s erratic behavior to erosion of legal presumption

Paul Krugman contends that Donald Trump’s recent public attacks on figures like Jeanine Pirro, RFK Jr., and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth illustrate a systemic problem rather than random outbursts. He references the legal principle known as the “presumption of regularity,” which historically treats government actions as truthful unless proven otherwise, and observes that judges are increasingly demanding evidence of honesty in Trump-era prosecutions.

Krugman highlights how this erosion of trust has manifested in policy moves such as illegal tariffs, SNAP cuts framed as fraud prevention, and denial of FEMA assistance to states that opposed Trump. He further blames misinformation within the administration for strategic failures, including the mishandling of the war on Iran and depleted missile stockpiles. The economist warns that the administration’s habit of lying to both the public and its own officials creates a cascade of ineffective governance and growing disorder.