COMMENT | Three weeks have passed since US President Donald Trump and his team have taken over the White House. It seems longer.

The days since the Jan 20 inauguration have been full of non-stop attacks on congressionally funded political institutions, firing of individuals with alternative views, economic strong-arming of long-standing neighbours/trading partners.

Vulnerable communities, especially persons of colour, transgendered people and women, have also been hit with further marginalisation. 

One of Trump’s most harmful salvoes internationally has been to propose a Gaza “takeover” – tantamount to ethnic cleansing – and a recent effort to destabilise the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East.

The level of damage to democracy and US relations with the world has been unprecedented, as the president has turned the office into a...