What Next | Daily News and Analysis Trump’s DIY Government Shutdown
Jan 29, 2025
In this discussion, Karen Tumulty, a political columnist for The Washington Post, delves into the chaos unfolding in federal operations under the Trump administration. She highlights the confusion among federal employees due to recent funding freezes and examines the legality of such actions against Congressional mandates. Tumulty sheds light on historical instances of presidential overreach while questioning whether the current political climate signals a constitutional crisis. She warns of the risks of authoritarianism emerging within the government, urging greater public awareness.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Unusual Presidential Behavior
- Trump's memo freezes federal funds, framing it as the people's will.
- This contradicts the usual presidential role, as Congress already allocated these funds.
Violation of Constitutional Principles
- The Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse, not the president.
- Trump's actions violate this principle and the Impoundment Control Act.
Limited Congressional Pushback
- Congress has the power to challenge Trump's funding freeze, but may not due to political dynamics.
- Trump's takeover of the Republican Party, which controls Congress, limits potential pushback.