Examining the Rise of Executive Orders Under Trump’s Leadership

Examining the Rise of Executive Orders Under Trump’s Leadership

During his first 100 days in office, President Donald Trump made history by surpassing former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s record for the number of executive orders issued in that time frame. Trump signed an impressive total of more than 135 executive orders in his first 100 days of his second term, compared to the 33 he signed during the first 100 days of his initial term and the 99 signed by Roosevelt.

This surge in executive orders indicates a notable shift in power dynamics between the executive branch and Congress. Experts suggest that Trump has set a clear agenda that he is determined to achieve through these executive actions.

The Power Shift in the Federal Government

Trump’s extensive use of executive orders signals a significant change in the balance of power within the federal government. According to James Broughel, a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, this trend points to a retreat of lawmaking authority from Congress to the executive branch. He emphasizes that future presidents may likely adopt a similar approach.

Broughel stated that much of the federal government’s power is now concentrated in the executive branch, allowing the president to implement a comprehensive agenda through executive orders. This situation raises questions about the long-term implications of such a trend on the American political landscape.

Importance of the Initial Days in Office

The initial 100 days of a presidency are regarded as crucial for shaping the leader’s agenda and garnering media attention. Broughel notes that defining priorities early on is essential, as time becomes a limiting factor as the term progresses.

He explained that setting clear directions from the outset is critical for successful governance. If a president does not establish an agenda early, opportunities may dwindle over time.

Four Years of Preparation

Experts point out that Trump’s current administration has the advantage of having spent four years out of office to strategize and plan its priorities. Thomas Berry, director at the Cato Institute’s Center for Constitutional Studies, explains that the Trump administration had ample time to contemplate which issues it wanted to address through executive orders.

Berry highlighted that many of the orders aim to eliminate barriers Trump encountered during his first term. For instance, some orders are designed to ease restrictions on dismantling federal positions, showing a deliberate approach to executive governance.

Challenges of Executive Power

Despite the aggressive use of executive orders, there are inherent weaknesses associated with this approach. Berry noted that executive orders are not permanent; they can be reversed by subsequent presidents. The only potential exception arises when an agency has been weakened to the point where rebuilding it becomes impossible under future administrations.

An example of this is the proposed staffing reductions at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which could take numerous years for future administrations to rectify. Similarly, Trump’s plans to reorganize the Department of Education have raised concerns about the long-term effects of such restructuring.

The Impacts on the Judicial System

The prevalence of executive orders has placed considerable strain on the judicial system. Over 150 lawsuits have been filed to challenge Trump’s executive actions, with high-profile cases addressing issues such as birthright citizenship and military service by transgender individuals. Many of these are currently blocked, exacerbating the challenges faced by courts.

Berry remarked that the rapid pace at which executive orders are issued has made it increasingly difficult for the judicial branch to keep pace. Courts are facing overwhelming caseloads and are often required to act expeditiously, which can hinder thorough deliberation.

Increased Pressure on Judicial Deliberation

Trump’s administration has effectively created a situation where the judiciary is compelled to act quickly. Berry argues that this has resulted in a self-perpetuating cycle, as the rapid issuance of orders leads to quicker judicial responses that might lack depth.

He suggests that this pressure contributes to the perception that judges are making rulings without adequate legal grounding or consideration. The administration’s insistence on immediate action has significantly altered the expected tempo of judicial processes.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Executive Orders

Looking toward the future, experts anticipate that the aggressive pace of executive orders will slow down. Most of the actions taken in the initial 100 days appear to have been strategically planned and premeditated. Berry believes that the momentum created by these executive orders might wane soon.

He predicts that the administration could run out of significant executive orders to issue by the end of the first year or even in the next few months, with any future orders likely being reactive rather than proactive. This raises essential questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of such a reliance on executive power as a governing strategy.