Trump Wants To Make The Presidency More Powerful. Here's How.
Jul 11, 2024
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National political correspondents Sarah McCammon, Susan Davis, and Mara Liasson discuss Trump's efforts to increase presidential power. Topics include the unitary executive theory, potential impact on democracy, Trump's promises, public perception, and implications for international relations.
Trump aims to consolidate power through the Unitary Executive Theory, potentially upsetting checks and balances.
Trump's influence extends to reshaping the Republican Party and enacting desired policies, raising governance questions.
Deep dives
Trump's Presidency and Changes in Executive Power
Trump aims to consolidate executive power through the Unitary Executive Theory, which proposes increased presidential authority over departments like the Department of Justice. This theory suggests removing checks and balances, enabling actions like pardoning individuals and deportation strategies. Trump's focus on loyalty and sense of personal authority differs from traditional approaches, raising concerns about potential abuse of power and challenges within the American federal system.
Implications of a Second Term on Foreign Policy
In a second term, Trump's potential foreign policy actions could indicate significant shifts due to existing presidential power. Trump's authority extends to key decisions like withdrawing from international agreements or imposing tariffs without significant oversight. Although public sentiment leans against expanding presidential powers, Trump's transparent approach contrasts with traditional norms, potentially reshaping perceptions of presidential authority.
Trump's Influence and Transformative Potential
Trump's ability to reshape the Republican Party and surrounding support could lead to increased effectiveness in enacting desired policies. Project 2025 outlines potential strategies aligned with Trump's goals, emphasizing his readiness and strategic backing. Despite critique and concerns about his impact on democratic institutions, Trump's presidency raises questions about changing views on presidential power and potential long-term effects on governance and public perceptions.
Often frustrated by Washington bureaucracy and red tape in his first term, former President Trump aims to make the presidency more powerful if he wins in November. Here's how he plans to do it.
This episode: national political correspondents Sarah McCammon and Susan Davis, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.
The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our intern is Bria Suggs. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.
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