My own morality is the law, I am the government

Vaհe H Apelian

My morality is the law

Who said:         President Donald Trump

When:               On January 8, 2026

What:                  President Trump said that “'My Own Morality' Is 'the Only Thing That Can Stop Me' from World Dominance: 'I Don't Need International Law'

Why:                   The president doubled down on his plans to take military action in Latin America, annex Greenland and do more, in a revealing new interview

I am the government

Who said:          Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

When:               Around August-September 2025.

What:                 He stated that he is the government and that no one in his government could have a differing perspective, threatening dismissal for dissent.

Why:                The prime minister made that statement to implement his vision.

Are president Trump and PM Nikol Pashinyan autocrats?

No, they are not. They may be outspoken.

Both of them have been elected to the position of power by the citizens of their countries. In fact, both of them have been elected to same power, twice. In case of Donald Trump, Americans elected him president twice, on a timed presidential election. The citizens of Armenia elected Nikol Pashinyan as the prime minister twice, but at snap general elections.

Both of them occupy the ultimate power position in their own countries. Any member of their government who has a dissenting view and does not espouse president Donald Trump’s, or prime minister Nikol Pashinyan’s vision; may be dismissed. The president and the prime minister have the constitutional authorization to dismiss their government officials. It is no secret that it is said that members of the  of the U.S. Government serve at the pleasure of the president. So, they do in case of the prime minister of Armenia. 

Such is the democratic mandate.

Who reins in and checks their power?

Simplifying matters, in case of president Donald Trump, it is the Republican party that can rein in and check the power of the president who ran on the party’s ticket, by not endorsing a policy in the Congress. Two days ago - January 8, 2026 - the senate advanced a resolution to limit President. Donald Trump's ability to conduct further military action in Venezuela without congressional approval. The measure came about because five Republican senators crossed party line and voted with the democrats to rein in and check president Trump’s power. But It is not likely that the measure will pass the congress and become law. Therefore, more likely than not, president Donald Trump will continue to yield constitutional power at his discretion.

In case of prime minister Nikol Pashinyan, it is the Civil Contract party that can rein in and check the power of the prime minister, by not endorsing his policy in the National Assembly. But, the bipartisan divide in Armenia is such that it is not likely that there will be cross over in the National Assembly.  Civil Contract party has 2/3 of the members of the National Assembly. The two opposition parties with their constituents have 1/3 of the delegates but do not have a coherent vision. The prime minister will continue to yield Constitutional power, at his discretion..

What should we voters do?

We, the voters should know what are the policies of the candidate are and have a mental visualization of his character and make our voting choice accordingly. Nikol Pashinyan is a candidate for reelection in the June 2026 election. Nature has run its course on president Trump who will not run again.

The U.S. of America celebrates the 250^th anniversary of its Republic this year. It is the oldest form of government in the modern history. Armenia is forging its democratic process.

"Democracy is the worst form of Government except for all the others that have been tried," is widely attributed to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The next U.S. president and the next prime minister will enjoy the same constitutional privileges. 

The democratic process in the U.S. has not led to a perfect socio-political order, even after 250 years.  The U.S. will always strive to bring about the perfect society and governance, so will Armenia. 

The democratic process does not have a finish line.