Without a doubt, Donald Trump’s presidency has become the kind of overtly-opinionated and conservative government he promised it would be.
His communication, his actions and his public image all represent a dramatic shift away from the traditional expectations of a president.
In many ways, what Trump has done has never been done before. “This administration is upending so many of the norms […] I think it has moved what is normal in the presidency,” said Fin Pollard, associate professor in American history at the University of Lincoln.
Mr Pollard added that, if Trump is re-elected in November, he could have a lasting effect on what is considered ‘normal’ behaviour for a president in the future.
Criticism of Trump’s conduct may seem overdone, but it’s a vital part of his job. “How he presents himself really matters, because a big part of what the presidency is, is how it’s performed in public,” said Mr Pollard, “And I think there is this gulf between how he performs it and how his predecessors have performed it.”
This gulf first became apparent during Trump’s 2016 campaign. Allegations of sexual misconduct, opaqueness surrounding taxes and avoidance of military duty should have seen Trump crash out of the race, in line with normal political expectations.
Despite this, his candidacy remained solid - perhaps even strengthened. During his time in the White House, Trump has flouted conventions at every turn, yet his approval rating remains steady. In fact, even as he fumbles the coronavirus pandemic, his figures have seen a boost.