Consider This from NPR In Trump’s U.S., are there any presidential norms anymore?
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Mar 4, 2026 
Susan Glasser, New Yorker staff writer who tracks U.S. politics and writes 'Letters from Trump's Washington,' discusses how presidential norms have shifted under Trump. She examines his bold military moves and legacy-driven risks. She explores motives behind strikes on Iran and the erosion of coalition diplomacy and traditional constraints.
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Presidency Norms Shifted To Social Media Declarations
- The presidency's norms have fundamentally shifted under Donald Trump, visible in using late-night social posts instead of formal Oval Office addresses to announce major actions.
- Trump posted an edited video at 2:30 a.m. on his own platform to announce strikes on Iran while also tweeting taunts and political claims the same week.
Trump Evolved From Norms Testing To Bold Risk Taking
- Susan Glasser tracks Trump weekly and sees escalation from earlier years to bolder, riskier actions in his second term.
- She notes her first 2018 column already debated striking Iran, but now Trump is more willing to take large military risks.
Personal Thrill And Legacy Drive Military Decisions
- Personal gratification and legacy both likely drive Trump's willingness to order strikes, not just strategic necessity.
- Glasser suggests he may enjoy the rush of ordering strikes and wants to be seen as the decisive actor against long-standing adversaries.