New Delhi: Donald Trump’s approach in the early days of his presidency can be likened to a batter in the power play phase of a T20 match, aggressively signing executive orders to assert his dominance.
Unlike India’s political system, where executive powers are more diffused, the US president enjoys expansive executive authority, and Trump is pushing its boundaries. His actions have made him appear increasingly like a monarch, consolidating power in ways that could redefine the office of the president.
The US president’s power is defined by Article 2 of the American Constitution, which grants sweeping executive authority. Recent presidents, especially Trump, have expanded these powers through executive orders, sometimes testing their limits. The rise of a conservative-dominated Supreme Court could mean Trump’s orders face less resistance than those of past administrations. His controversial actions, such as preemptively pardoning his family and political allies, or granting pardons to violent 6 January rioters, have drawn comparisons to a king’s unchecked authority.
Trump’s influence is not only political, but economic, with him and his wife Melania launching their cryptocurrency, which raises concerns within the already volatile crypto market. His pardons, which included far-Right extremists, like Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, have unsettled many Republicans, who fear that such actions set dangerous precedents.
Biden has also taken advantage of executive powers, notably pardoning his family members in anticipation of potential future legal issues. This reflects a trend where one president’s actions prompt more extreme measures by the next, eroding the checks and balances on presidential authority. As the US presidency becomes more powerful, the potential for abuses of power grows, with Trump’s presidency signalling an alarming shift toward unchecked executive rule.
In Episode 1593 of #CutTheClutter, ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta looks at Trump’s reasons for taking these decisions and approach to power.
Also Watch: Can the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 empower Trump to deport ‘illegal’ immigrants