Y'know, there's a lot to unpack when it comes to Romans 13. I have little faith Trump will exhibit the characteristics of a just ruler described there or elsewhere.
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Neither did the Emperor Nero, who was on the throne then. The command is absolute but in one area: the minute a ruler orders obedience to him that contradicts known commands of God, God is to be obeyed. This is where Martin Luther, Martin Luther King Jr., and many others stood, and it is a firm place to stand now. Respect does not mean WORSHIP, in word or deed. When a ruler oversteps that bound, he or she is not to be obeyed in that area.
According to a number of commentators, "obey" isn't quite the right translation from Greek. It's more a sense of "comply to maintain peace." And yes, their laws cannot compelmus to violate God's laws.
That is a distinction without much of a difference, simply because "comply" is gentler, but still assumes active acquiescence to authority. One cannot get around that ... unless said authority presumes to contradict God, at which point compliance and obedience are both off the table.
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