Could Donald Trump stretch the power of the presidency?

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Feb 14, 2025

Elie Honig, CNN Senior Legal Analyst, dives into the controversial use of executive orders by Donald Trump, questioning their implications for democracy and judicial authority. They discuss the potential for a constitutional crisis if the President defies court rulings and the historical context of presidential power. The conversation also touches on the public's frustration with government effectiveness and the delicate balance between free speech and political accountability in today's polarized landscape.

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INSIGHT

Executive Orders and Potential Crisis

Trump's executive orders target birthright citizenship, asylum processing, and federal spending.
These orders face legal challenges, raising concerns about a constitutional crisis.

ANECDOTE

J.D. Vance's Advice to Trump

J.D. Vance, on a podcast, advised Trump to fire bureaucrats and replace them with loyalists.
He suggested defying court orders, citing Andrew Jackson's defiance of the Supreme Court.

INSIGHT

Republican Complicity

Republicans in Congress enable Trump's actions, despite potential overreach.
They support his aims, like cutting federal spending, even if they dislike his methods.

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In the first weeks of his second term, President Donald Trump has wasted no time in using Executive Orders to suspend all new asylum claims, freeze government hiring and spending, strip back agencies established by Congress, and offer a buyout deal for thousands of federal workers. So far, the courts have been the only substantive roadblocks to Trump’s agenda, but is the President ready to defy the courts? The White House has accused the media of "fear mongering the American people".

As Trump pushes the limits of presidential power - and with legal challenges from Democrats, unions and legal groups, is the U.S. heading for a constitutional crisis? If Donald Trump is willing to break the law, experts are asking who will stand up for the democratic system of government set up nearly 250 years ago?

HOSTS:

- Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter - Sarah Smith, North America Editor - Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST:

- Elie Honig, CNN Senior Legal Analyst

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This episode was made by George Dabby with Rufus Gray and Catherine Fusillo. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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