President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Throughout 2024, Democrats and many Republicans warned that if Donald Trump got back in the White House, he would debase the presidency by seeking personal vengeance on enemies, empowering unqualified toadies to lead important public agencies, and issuing half-baked edicts that ignored established law and common sense.

Now, after less than two weeks since his inauguration, these fears are being realized.

The latest unlawful and irresponsible act: Trump’s crudely drafted order (later rescinded) that would have frozen federal spending on trillions of dollars in grants and loans. North Carolina stood to lose billions.

Not only are these funds essential to thousands of core public functions — from emergency relief to cancer research — they fund tens of thousands of jobs and play a huge role in our economy.

The bottom line: Donald Trump may act as if it’s the case, but leading the U.S. government is different than being the boss of a seedy and predatory casino. In the freeze order and other similar acts, Trump is callously and recklessly endangering the lives and livelihoods of millions.

For NC Newsline, I’m Rob Schofield.