Trump’s Second Term: A Power Play Against Congress
President Donald Trump’s first month in his second term has been marked by an unprecedented and aggressive push to expand executive authority, challenging the traditional balance of power in Washington. Trump has taken bold steps to bypass Congress, particularly in matters of federal spending, a domain historically under the legislative branch’s purview. This has sparked outrage among Democrats, who argue that Trump’s actions violate constitutional checks and balances. Meanwhile, Republicans, long frustrated by their inability to shrink the federal government through legislative means, have largely applauded Trump’s efforts, even as some express cautious concern about the chaotic implementation of his policies.
Rewriting the Rules: Trump Empowers Elon Musk
At the center of Trump’s strategy is Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, whom the president has tasked with leading a federal initiative called the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE—a name Musk chose to reference a popular internet meme and cryptocurrency. Musk has been handed sweeping authority to identify and eliminate "waste, fraud, and abuse" across federal agencies. The results have been dramatic: mass firings of federal employees, the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and widespread disruption of government operations. Despite the chaos, Musk and his team have uncovered little actual waste or fraud, raising questions about the true motives behind these actions. The implosion of USAID, an agency created by Congress, has been particularly controversial. Legal experts argue that only Congress has the authority to abolish or restructure such an agency, and federal courts have already ruled that Trump’s actions exceed his constitutional powers.
A Budgetary Power Grab
Trump’s efforts to consolidate power extend far beyond USAID. The administration has frozen billions of dollars in foreign aid and shuttered grant programs, including one benefiting Maine’s fisheries. Trump has even threatened to block all federal funding to Maine if its governor refuses to support his efforts to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports. Critics, including budget policy experts, have labeled these actions as illegal and unprecedented. "This is the most illegal set of budgetary actions that any president in U.S. history has ever taken," said Bobby Kogan of the Center for American Progress. The Supreme Court has intervened in some cases, such as pausing a lower court’s order to unlock foreign aid funds, but legal battles are likely to drag on for months.
Selective Law Enforcement: A New Normal?
Trump’s disregard for congressional authority is not limited to budgetary matters. The administration has also demonstrated a selective approach to enforcing federal laws. For instance, the Treasury Department announced it would no longer enforce an anti-money laundering statute passed during the Biden administration. The Justice Department dropped a corruption case against New York City’s mayor after he aligned himself with Trump, and it also declined to enforce a ban on TikTok. Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission dropped a civil case against a crypto mogul with ties to Trump’s own cryptocurrency venture. These actions have raised concerns about the politicization of the justice system and the erosion of the rule of law.
Republican Support and Growing Concerns
While Democrats have sounded the alarm about a constitutional crisis, Republicans have largely rallied behind Trump. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) praised Trump’s achievements, suggesting that lawmakers would eventually codify the cuts proposed by Musk and the DOGE initiative. However, not all Republicans are comfortable with the pace and scale of these changes. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) criticized the layoffs in her state, urging Musk to "learn about the jobs he’s trying to cut." Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) expressed concern about veterans being laid off at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Despite these critiques, most Republicans seem unwilling to challenge Trump directly, giving him significant leeway to pursue his agenda.
A Constitutional Crisis in the Making?
Democrats have been vocal about the dangers of Trump’s approach, warning that his actions undermine the system of checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) accused Republicans of abandoning their role in overseeing the executive branch, saying, "This principle of checks and balances only works if people don’t voluntarily remove their spine." Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, went so far as to skip Trump’s speech to Congress, accusing the president of "spitting in the face of the law" by unilaterally freezing congressionally approved spending. Murray highlighted the real-world consequences of Trump’s actions, noting that farms, small businesses, and federal workers are suffering as a result of the administration’s policies.
As Trump prepares to address Congress, the stakes could not be higher. His actions have set the stage for a prolonged legal and political battle over the limits of executive power. While Republicans may celebrate his assertiveness for now, the long-term consequences of this power play could reshape the balance of power in Washington for years to come. If left unchecked, Trump’s approach could erode the foundational principles of American democracy, leaving the country teetering on the edge of a constitutional crisis.
