America has always been defined by its principles, not just its politics. Chief among these principles is the rule of law — the idea that no person, no matter how powerful, is above it. It has guided us through wars, economic hardships and deep political divides. It is the foundation of our democracy and the guardrail that keeps power in check.

Today, that foundation is being tested.

The Trump administration has taken some of the most sweeping and ambitious steps in recent history to reshape the structure of our government. Over the last month, it has attempted to block billions in congressionally appropriated funds, ignored court orders, tried to reinterpret constitutional protections via executive order, and tried to intimidate states — including Maine — into complying with its policies, raising serious concerns about potential violations of the 10th Amendment.

These are not routine policy disagreements or the expected turbulence of a new administration. This is something totally different. These actions are not only legally questionable, but also reflect a dramatic expansion of presidential power — one of the broadest in our nation’s history. And when those in power disregard the law, they undermine the very stability that has held this country together through wars, economic depressions and political upheaval.

Elections have consequences; that is the nature of democracy. And it is a good thing! Our nation should focus on cutting waste and fraud, building an immigration system that is firm but fair, debating the best role for our nation to play in the world, ensuring our trade policies benefit American workers, and lifting up communities that have been left behind.

But there is a difference between leadership that seeks to implement a new vision for the country and leadership that seeks to operate outside the law entirely and destroy important government institutions and programs. When a government starts ignoring court rulings or treating laws as mere suggestions, it erodes the public’s trust in its institutions. When it attacks and abandons our allies and supports our adversaries, it weakens our influence and safety around the world. And once that trust is lost, history teaches us that it is incredibly difficult to restore.

This should not be a partisan issue. It is not about who holds the presidency or which party controls Congress right now. It is about whether we are willing to defend the principles that have made our nation a beacon of stability and freedom for the last 250 years. If we allow the erosion of the rule of law to continue unchecked, we set a dangerous precedent that future leaders — regardless of their party — will feel emboldened to follow.

We have seen this story play out before, in nations where legal institutions crumbled under the weight of political expediency. America has always been different because we have always placed the law above the individual. It is one of the qualities of this nation that makes it exceptional. That principle only endures if we defend it.

Patriotism is not about blind loyalty to any politician or party — it is about standing up for the principles that define us. It is about holding our leaders accountable, ensuring that the laws of this land apply to everyone equally, not just when it is convenient. And it is about recognizing that our system, imperfect as it may be, only works when we stay engaged and uphold the rules that govern it.