In his first year back in the White House, Mr Trump has greatly expanded executive power while embracing the trappings of royalty in ways not seen in the modern era.(Tierney L. Cross/The New York Times)PHOTO: Tierney L. Cross/NYTIMES

Trump takes America’s ‘imperial presidency’ to a new level

· The Straits Times

WASHINGTON – When US President Donald Trump hosted the crown prince of Saudi Arabia
in November, he pulled out all the stops. To the traditional pomp of a formal White House visit, he added a few even fancier touches: a stirring military flyover, a procession of black horses and long, regal tables for the lavish dinner in the East Room instead of the typical round tables.

For surprised White House veterans who were paying attention, the unusual flourishes looked a little familiar. In September, King Charles III of Britain welcomed Mr Trump for a state visit
that included, yes, a stirring military flyover, a procession of black horses and a long, regal table for the lavish dinner in St George’s Hall at Windsor Palace.