Trump uses power against foes unlike any other modern US president

Mr Trump’s attacks on law firms and judges are without precedent and are reminiscent of other nations with authoritarian regimes

President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Picture: AP

In just 10 weeks in office, Donald Trump has imposed his will on perceived adversaries in business, politics, the media and allied nations by leveraging power in ways no other modern US president has tried.

His administration has sought the arrest and deportation of student protesters, withheld federal funds from colleges, ostracised law firms tied to his political opponents, threatened judges and tried to pressure journalists. At the same time Mr Trump has downsized the federal government dramatically and purged it of workers who could stand in his way.