The president lauded dozens of executives and businesspeople for the “tremendous amounts of money” they have pledged for his project, which has prompted ethical concerns.

© Doug Mills/The New York Times

Francesca Albanese’s provocative allegations have made her a villain to some and a hero to others.

© Skander Khlif for The New York Times

Francesca Albanese’s provocative allegations have made her a villain to some and a hero to others.

Readers respond to a column by David Brooks. Also: The marring of the White House; a sharp right turn to populism.

A lot has happened this week. The New York Times Opinion editor Kathleen Kingsbury highlights one thing you shouldn’t miss: After President Trump tried to send the National Guard into Portland, Ore., a federal judge blocked him. Watch Kingsbury explain why the president’s actions defy the fundamental principles of the U.S. Constitution.

The president’s claims about cities don’t hold up.

The phrase doesn’t appear in the Constitution or its amendments.

The president is refashioning his residence into a palace. Our democracy is now a members-only club.