FROM THE OUTSIDE | Trump and the convenient lapses

Por

José Carreño Figueras

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Publicado: 24/3/2025 · 11:11 a.m. MX | Actualizado: 24/3/2025 · 11:11 a.m. MX

It may seem like a minor incident—anecdotal, indeed. However, it also acts as a contradiction that emphasizes one of the most pressing issues confronting the United States today: trust.

Or perhaps distrust, depending on your perspective.

Some view it as a response to the “growing outrage” regarding the deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador last weekend, based on a legal justification that a federal judge described as questionable. The concern may not be the deportees themselves but rather the legal gaps in the process.

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However, it could also validate the concerns that are driving increased distrust of the Trump administration.

President Trump asserted that he did not sign the proclamation that initiated deportations under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. This proclamation accuses Venezuela of “invading” the United States by sending supposed gang members to other nations—particularly, El Salvador.

“I don’t know when it was signed, as I didn’t sign it,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One, the presidential plane.

However, U.S. media reports that White House Communications Director Stephen Chung stated on Friday that Trump did sign the proclamation — and his signature is present in the Federal Register, the official government record.

The truth is, there’s no doubt about who is in charge of White House policy — especially after Trump and his team have worked diligently to centralize power in the presidency.

And even less so after the Supreme Court, with its conservative majority, ruled in his favor last year, granting the president broad legal immunity that far exceeds traditional limits in the U.S.

During his second term, Trump asserted what columnist Jamelle Bouie of The New York Times referred to as “royal prerogative over the entire executive branch.” His aides have denied judicial oversight of their actions and criticized judges for allegedly overstepping presidential authority.

For his part, Trump appears to attribute that “monarchical power” to Chief Justice John Roberts. After a joint session of Congress earlier this month, he shook Roberts' hand and said, “Thanks again. Thanks again. I won’t forget it.”

Some might see the seeming contradiction between Trump and his spokesperson as just an anecdote. Perhaps Trump simply forgot, or his spokesman might have misspoken. Or it could be a distraction altogether.

However, none of that benefits him—regardless of how unshakable his power and popularity might appear.

José Carreño Figueras