The Double Standard of Power: What Trump Does vs. What Black America Wished for Obama

In 2025, Donald Trump’s actions continue to challenge the very foundations of the U.S. Constitution. His defiance of legal norms, disregard for democratic institutions, and open resistance to accountability all reflect a level of unchecked power that many Black Americans once wished Barack Obama could have wielded—but never could. The difference? Skin color.

During Obama's presidency, Black Americans dreamed of a leader who would push back harder against the system, fight more aggressively for racial justice, and unapologetically wield

his power in the interest of his people. But we all knew the reality—he had to play by the rules, or he wouldn’t survive. Had Obama done even a fraction of what Trump is doing today, he wouldn’t have just been impeached; he likely would have been assassinated.

The Unforgivable Sin: A Black Man with Power

From day one, Obama faced opposition that went beyond politics—it was deeply racial. His legitimacy was questioned with racist birther conspiracies, his policies met with extreme obstruction, and his very presence in the White House seen as an affront to a system designed to exclude Black leadership at that level. Despite his constitutional law background and measured leadership, he had to tiptoe through his presidency, avoiding anything that could be spun as "too radical" or "too Black."

Compare that to Trump—who openly defies subpoenas, disregards court rulings, and incites political violence without consequence. Even after being found guilty in multiple cases, he still holds influence over a large base and remains a dominant figure in American politics. If Obama had defied the law like Trump? They would have sent the National Guard to drag him out of the White House.

Weaponizing the Constitution—But Only Against Some

Trump and his supporters claim to be defenders of the Constitution, yet they ignore it when it comes to their own actions. The same document that was used to justify slavery and segregation is now being twisted to shield Trump from accountability. Meanwhile, the system was hyper-vigilant in keeping Obama in check, ensuring that he remained the "safe" Black leader who couldn’t make too much noise.

The reality is clear: Black leadership is only tolerated if it operates within strict, unwritten boundaries. Push too hard, and the system pushes back—violently. Obama knew this, which is why his presidency, while historic, was also marked by restraint. He couldn’t be the radical force that many in the Black community hoped for because America was not ready, and likely never will be.

What This Means Moving Forward

Trump’s ability to defy the Constitution with impunity should serve as a lesson: the rules are different depending on who holds power. Black leaders are expected to be exceptional, unblemished, and restrained, while white leaders can be reckless and lawless and still be embraced by millions.

For Black America, the question isn't just "What if Obama had done what Trump is doing?" We already know the answer. The real question is, "When will we stop playing by rules that were never meant to protect us?"

It’s time for a new understanding of power—one that doesn’t require Black leaders to shrink themselves to survive. Because as Trump has proven, the Constitution is only as strong as the people willing to enforce it. And when they choose not to, power is all that matters.