Radio Atlantic Purge Now, Pay Later
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Feb 6, 2025 
Jonathan Chait, a political analyst for The Atlantic, joins Shane Harris, an FBI and national security expert, to dissect the constitutional implications of recent government dismantling. They discuss how executive overreach is reshaping federal authority and the fragile state of governance, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. The conversation delves into Trump's controversial requests related to the FBI's January 6th investigation and highlights the political fallout from drastic budget cuts targeting social welfare programs.
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Constitutional Limits
- Trump's authorization of Elon Musk's actions within the federal government raises constitutional concerns, especially regarding spending allocated by Congress.
- This power struggle echoes historical conflicts like Andrew Jackson's defiance of the Supreme Court and Nixon's impoundment efforts.
Appropriations Power Struggle
- While presidents often push boundaries, Trump's actions go beyond norms by directly contradicting Congress's spending authority.
- The Impoundment Act, backed by the Supreme Court, limits presidential power over authorized spending.
USAID Targeting
- USAID, established by Congress, is Musk's initial target.
- He argues its elimination is legal based on its initial creation via executive order, ignoring Congress's subsequent legislative establishment.