Trump's First 100 Days: An Increase In Executive Power
Apr 23, 2025
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Susan Davis, a political correspondent for NPR, and Domenico Montanaro, NPR's senior political editor, dive into the tumultuous first 100 days of Donald Trump's presidency. They discuss his aggressive use of executive power and its implications for American governance. The duo examines the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity and how Trump's strategies shifted the balance of power with Congress. They also highlight the fears of executive overreach amidst rising political polarization, setting the stage for a contentious relationship between the president and legislators.
Trump's presidency significantly expanded executive power through 130 executive orders, which raised concerns about the balance of governmental authority.
The polarization in politics has diminished checks on presidential power, as Republican lawmakers often overlook overreach due to party loyalty.
Deep dives
The Unitary Executive Theory and Trump's Approach
The concept of the unitary executive theory, which advocates for a powerful president who controls the entirety of the executive branch, has gained prominence during Trump's presidency. This theory, rooted in the founding of the United States, suggests that for an effective executive, the president must command the will of the entire executive branch. Throughout his tenure, Trump has actively sought to reclaim authority from independent agencies, as seen in his attempts to dismiss appointed officials from commissions like the Federal Election Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission. By advocating for such changes, Trump embodies the principle that he should be accountable for agency actions, asserting his right to hire and fire at will.
Expanding Executive Power and Legislative Response
Trump's presidency has been marked by a concerted effort to expand executive power through various means, including the issuance of 130 executive orders, a significant increase compared to past presidents. This trend toward unilateral action raises concerns about the balance of power, particularly as Congress appears more willing to cede authority in areas like spending and war powers. Experts suggest that congressional approval of spending has been undermined, creating uncertainty about the president's adherence to allocated funds. Trump's rapid political maneuvers, especially in the face of upcoming midterms, indicate a strategic push to maximize executive control while Congress remains hesitant to confront this accumulating power.
Political Polarization and Implications for Governance
The growing polarization within American politics has resulted in diminished checks on presidential power, particularly among Republican lawmakers who fear the repercussions of opposing Trump. Many in Congress are increasingly willing to overlook presidential overreach when their party controls the White House, which has diminished internal dissent regarding executive decisions. This dynamic creates significant risks, as constituents may hold their representatives accountable for unpopular actions taken by the executive branch, leading to potential backlash during elections. The ongoing struggle to maintain a functional government amidst rising partisanship raises concerns about the ability of elected officials to effectively address pressing issues facing their constituents.
When running for office, Donald Trump suggested that he "alone could fix" the ills befalling the United States. In his administration's first 100 days, he and his allies have moved quickly to expand the powers of the presidency accordingly.
This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Sarah McCammon, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro.
The podcast is produced by Bria Suggs & Kelli Wessinger and edited by Casey Morell. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.
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