Kuala Lampur, Aug. 30 -- When the United States Court of Appeals ruled that former president Donald Trump's use of emergency powers to justify punitive tariffs was legally unsound, many in foreign capitals briefly rejoiced.

The verdict, hailed in some quarters as a vindication of the global trading order, was seen as a reminder that even in the most powerful democracy, the rule of law can still clip the wings of executive overreach.

Yet that optimism is premature.

For one, Trump has made a career out of defying institutional checks, bending and twisting them until they lose meaning.

His leadership style is defined by an instinct to stretch presidential authority through executive orders, daring courts and Congress to stop him.

Even w...