President Trump is gradually testing, stretching and gutting the independence of America's major institutions, leaving few stones unturned in his pursuit of unchecked power.

Why it matters: In Trump's vision of America, authority flows only from his consent. The firing of Fed governor Lisa Cook — a first in modern history — shows that even the central bank's legendary independence is no longer untouchable.

The big picture: In just seven months, Trump has consolidated vast power by following a simple playbook: Capture what he can, contest what he can't and punish those who resist. • "I have the right to do anything I want to do. I'm the president of the United States," Trump told reporters Tuesday when discussing his threat to send the National Guard into Chicago.

1. Captured instituti

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