Andrew McCarthy, a former federal prosecutor and FOX News contributor, dives into the legal battles surrounding President Trump's initiatives, including executive orders like the freeze on federal funding and the halt to penny production. He discusses the strong legal standing of Trump's administration and critiques the role of 'activist judges.' Additionally, Philip Diehl, former Director of the U.S. Mint, analyzes the economic implications of eliminating the penny, sparking a debate on fiscal efficiency and the future of U.S. currency.
The judicial challenges against President Trump's executive orders have intensified the conflict between the judicial and executive branches, raising questions about the limits of presidential power.
The proposal to eliminate the penny reflects ongoing discussions about the practicality and cost-effectiveness of U.S. currency in modern transactions.
Deep dives
Clash of Branches
The ongoing conflict between the executive and judicial branches is significantly influencing the legislative arena, with Republicans mainly siding with President Trump and Democrats supporting the judges who are challenging his policies. This divide stems from various legal actions taken by federal judges who have blocked key executive orders, including those regarding birthright citizenship and the management of federal grants and loans. These judicial interventions have sparked debates about the constitutionality of executive power, particularly when it comes to the funding and administration of government programs. Various officials express confidence in Trump's ability to overcome these legal hurdles, asserting that the arguments put forth by the judges are politically motivated and that they disrupt the president's authority to execute laws.
The Penny Proposal
President Trump has initiated a proposal to eliminate the penny, which has been criticized as an outdated and financially burdensome aspect of U.S. currency production. The production cost of a penny exceeds its face value, making it a clear financial liability, with estimates suggesting it can cost about two to three cents to produce each coin. Advocates for the penny's removal argue that it is no longer useful in modern transactions, suggesting a shift towards higher denomination coins may be more practical. This move also opens the floor for a broader discussion about the efficiency of U.S. currency overall, including calls to reconsider the nickel and even the dollar bill.
Legal Authority and Foreign Aid
Controversy surrounds Trump's executive power regarding the management of USAID funding, which is often seen as a critical area where the president holds significant authority. A legal framework established in the founding periods indicates that the executive branch has considerable discretion in foreign relations and funding allocations, arguing that courts should not overreach in this domain. If a president identifies fraud or mismanagement, they argue that they have the right to halt spending, an assertion that has resulted in several legal battles with judges interpreting these actions differently. This ongoing debate highlights the complexity of legal interpretations surrounding executive powers, especially in foreign aid allocations that intertwine with domestic legislative authority.
President Trump's administration is facing numerous legal challenges to their executive orders, with the end to birthright citizenship, a freeze on federal funding, and others that are currently tied up in the courts. FOX News Contributor, attorney Andrew McCarthy, joins the Rundown to discuss the legal background behind some of the court cases and why he feels that the Trump administration has strong chances of legal victory in most instances. Later, Special Counsel to President Trump, Alina Habba, joins to share her thoughts on “activist judges” and the actions that President Trump has signed off on so far.
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump directed the US Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies. The one-cent coin costs nearly four cents to produce, and the US Mint reported they lost $85.3 million last year producing pennies. In 2023, Congress proposed legislation to alter the coin's composition to cut costs. Former Director of the United States Mint, Philip Diehl, joins to discuss how getting rid of the penny will impact the American economy and what this will look like.
Plus, commentary from FOX News contributor Joe Concha.