Limits on Presidential Authority in a Second Term

In a podcast episode discussing potential policies in a second term of President Donald Trump, the focus is on aspects that could challenge democratic norms and presidential authority. One concern raised is the rhetoric suggesting pursuit of political opponents and critics, potentially using the Department of Justice for retribution. The absence of internal pushback in a second term could erode constraints on the president’s power. Another area of concern is the deployment of federal troops domestically, specifically at the border, which could further blur the line between political interests and military decision-making. The discussion also highlights the potential erosion of the civil service, which plays a critical role in the execution of policy, as well as constraints on the president's authority. Overall, the podcast explores the potential risks to democratic norms and government stability in a second Trump term.