Trump Power Abuses May Outlast His Presidency as Democrats Resist Curbing White House Authority
Updated
Updated · AlterNet · Oct 4
Trump Power Abuses May Outlast His Presidency as Democrats Resist Curbing White House Authority
2 articles · Updated · AlterNet · Oct 4
Summary
Experts told The Washington Post that Trump’s use of presidential power could endure beyond his term because Democrats may be unwilling to surrender tools they could later use themselves.
Michael Waldman of the Brennan Center said reform often follows scandal but warned Democrats will be tempted to avoid limits on the Justice Department and other executive powers.
Democrats are still drafting curbs for a future presidency, but the proposals have little chance unless a Democrat also controls the White House.
Rahm Emanuel’s ethics plan would require blind trusts for officials worth more than $1 million and ban stock trading, prediction-market bets and foreign gifts; Sen. Chris Murphy has also proposed a No Political Enemies Act.
The debate underscores a broader concern that post-Trump safeguards may stall not for lack of outrage over alleged abuses, but because both parties value expansive presidential authority.