Consider This from NPR: Is Trump Testing Limits or Trying to Eliminate Them?

Release Date: February 2, 2025
Host: Scott Detrow

Introduction

In this compelling episode of NPR's "Consider This," host Scott Detrow delves into the contentious actions taken by former President Donald Trump during the early stages of his term. The episode, titled "Is Trump testing limits or trying to eliminate them?", explores whether Trump's maneuvers represent a mere testing of presidential boundaries or a fundamental attempt to dismantle constitutional checks and balances.

Trump's Actions: A Sweeping Power Grab

Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon sets the stage, describing Trump's recent actions as unprecedented:

Jeff Merkley (00:04): "We are in the midst of a sweeping authoritarian power grab that has never been witnessed in the lifetime of anyone standing here right now."

Key Actions Discussed:

1. Firing the Inspector General:

   • Timestamp [00:22]: Merkley criticizes Trump for dismissing watchdogs overseeing federal agencies without adhering to the law requiring a 30-day notice to Congress.

2. Memos to Spy on Government Workers:

   • Timestamp [00:33]: A directive was issued, instructing employees to report colleagues who resist the administration's order to end federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

3. Freezing Federal Loans and Grants:

   • Timestamp [00:56]: Merkley accuses Trump of attempting to usurp Congress's constitutional power over the purse, labeling it a "constitutional crisis."

4. Ending Birthright Citizenship:

   • Timestamp [02:02]: Trump challenges the constitutional provision granting citizenship to anyone born in the U.S., prompting 22 state attorneys general to declare it unconstitutional. A federal judge has supported their stance, and the issue is poised for Supreme Court review.

Political Reactions and Justifications

Republican Perspective:

• Senator Kevin Kramer (01:19): Emphasizes the importance of separation of powers but interprets Trump's actions as tests of presidential authority.

• Senator Jim Risch of Idaho (02:46): Describes the current political climate as "a different day in Washington, D.C."

White House Defense:

• Caroline Levitt, Press Secretary (01:42 & 01:56): Asserts that Trump's actions, including the funding freeze, are within legal bounds and within presidential authority.

Comparative Analysis: Presidential Power

Scott Detrow draws parallels between Trump's actions and those of former President Joe Biden, highlighting that the quest for expanded presidential authority is not unique to one party:

Scott Detrow (04:19): "Most presidents want as much power as they can get, and it's not unusual to see them claim authority that they don't in the end."

Examples include Biden's unilateral student loan forgiveness and attempts to enact constitutional amendments without legislative approval.

Expert Insights: History and Political Science Perspectives

Ronald Prusson, Professor Emeritus of History, University of Toronto:

Prusson contextualizes Trump's actions within a long history of expanding presidential power, noting a significant and recent surge influenced by Trump's personal ambitions and the current political dynamics.

Ronald Prusson (06:32): "There is a context here that makes this particularly threatening, particularly concerning the context of Trump's own ego, the nature of the political dynamics right now in terms of Republican power in Congress and the nature of the Supreme Court's rulings."

Kenneth Lawande, Political Scientist, University of Michigan:

Lawande compares the Trump administration's concentration of power to the "Eye of Sauron" from Tolkien's lore, suggesting a focused but limited sweep of executive authority across specific areas.

Jim Risch (08:22): "I think people need to keep in mind the fundamental human limitations of the challenge that any president faces."

Checks and Balances: Defensive Mechanisms

Ronald Prusson (09:27): Highlights the multifaceted nature of checks and balances, emphasizing the critical role of the Supreme Court and the broader judicial system in curbing executive overreach.

Ronald Prusson: "I'm particularly concerned about the courts and especially the Supreme Court, given the way in which it has been tilting in recent days."

Kenneth Lawande (10:31): Identifies the independent, nonpartisan federal workforce as the most significant check against Trump's attempts to consolidate power. He warns that undermining this workforce would fundamentally alter the government's operational integrity.

Jim Risch (10:31): "The most important check, if you made me pick one, is the one that they're attempting to smash through, which is an independent, nonpartisan federal workforce."

He further explains the potential consequences:

Jim Risch (11:07): "If suddenly all of those employees could be fired on a whim by the sitting president... that's just a totally different world."

Conclusion

The episode concludes by weighing whether Trump's actions are a blatant subversion of the Constitution or part of a broader, albeit concerning, trend of presidents seeking expanded authority. With insights from historians and political scientists, "Consider This" provides a nuanced examination of the implications for American democracy and the essential role of institutional checks in maintaining balance.

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Consider This" serves as a crucial analysis for listeners seeking to understand the complexities of presidential power and its impact on the U.S. government's structure. Through expert commentary and detailed examination of recent events, NPR offers a thought-provoking perspective on one of the most pressing political debates of our time.

Produced by Mark Rivers and Connor Donovan | Edited by Courtney Dorning | Executive Producer: Sammy Yenigun