The hottest Executive Power Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

The Dilemmas of Democracy

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1717 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Governance Constitution Political theory Executive Power
  1. Democracy relies on a mix of regular people and experts working together. Everyone is a bit ignorant, but collaboration can help us make better decisions.
  2. Respecting the Constitution is key for effective governance and means no one group gets everything they want. Compromise and understanding are essential in a democracy.
  3. How leaders respond to challenges today will affect the future of governance. They need to be responsible and committed to including everyone in the decision-making process.

Trump roundup: Five days

The Watch • 585 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political corruption Executive Power Immigration Policy Political violence Government Accountability
  1. The administration is facing serious issues, like ignoring court orders and appointing unqualified people to key positions. This raises concerns about how the government is being managed.
  2. Immigration policies are getting stricter, with reports of plans for mass deportations and detaining people for simply checking in with authorities. This is creating a lot of fear among immigrant communities.
  3. There are increasing threats to free speech and the press, with officials targeting critics and controlling narratives. This could have lasting effects on how information is shared and how citizens engage with their government.

Why Did Trump Just Start a Trade War with Our Neighbors?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 746 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economic Impact Executive Power International relations
  1. Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, causing concern for many. This decision appears sudden and lacks a clear reason.
  2. The tariff could disrupt the economy and long-standing trade agreements. It might lead to increased costs for consumers and harm relations with neighboring countries.
  3. While there's a limit on tariffs for Canadian energy imports to avoid spiking energy prices, the rules are inconsistent and confusing for trade with Mexico.

Are laws just vibes now?

Can We Still Govern? • 342 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Legislation Governance Legal issues Public Policy
  1. Cuts to university health research funding can severely harm medical care and research. This might create gaps in funding that affect the quality of healthcare in the U.S.
  2. There's a worrying trend where laws are being ignored or bypassed by the government. This makes it feel like the rule of law doesn't matter anymore, leading to uncertainty and distrust.
  3. The debate over these legal issues often gets framed as a simple disagreement. However, many experts believe that clear violations of the law are happening, which should not be overlooked.

Social Learning Links, 5/31/2025

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Populism Executive Power Progressivism
  1. TikTok boosts right-wing populism by making emotional content easily shareable and bypassing critical thinking. This makes it very appealing and dangerous as a social media platform.
  2. It's important for individuals to reflect on their beliefs, and to be open to the idea that they might be wrong sometimes. This kind of self-examination can help improve understanding and reduce defensiveness.
  3. The power of the presidency has grown partly because Congress has given up its authority. This shift means that the executive branch now has more control, which raises concerns about the balance of power in government.
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The Bitter End

Doomberg • 6205 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Environmental Policy Legislation Political strategy Federal Government
  1. The federal government has become complicated, making it hard for people to follow all the laws. This can lead to serious trouble even for innocent individuals.
  2. Presidents have a lot of power to make decisions quickly through executive orders, which can change important policies without a lot of oversight.
  3. Recent actions by President Biden to ban offshore drilling show how the government is shifting from traditional practices. This has left some groups happy while others are concerned about its long-term impact.

Trump's Executive Branch Revolution

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 4193 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Federal Agencies Constitutional Law Political Ideologies
  1. Trump is changing how the executive branch works, using power in new ways that could impact future presidents. He wants to control parts of the government, like USAID, and has plans for the Department of Education.
  2. There's a long history of presidents not spending money that Congress gives them, called impoundment. This can change how money is spent and can lead to a stronger executive branch.
  3. The balance of power in the government is shifting. Just like how the Supreme Court influenced laws in the past, Trump's actions could redefine what future presidents can do.

Trump Rescuing Tik-Tok; Can the USA be Bothered to Save Itself?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 164 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Foreign Policy National Security Political Commentary Media influence
  1. Trump criticized Biden's support for Ukraine during his inauguration, calling it a national betrayal. This signals a shift in US foreign policy, raising concerns for Ukraine's future support.
  2. Trump's move to halt the TikTok ban is seen as a significant abuse of presidential power and questions the rule of law in the US. It suggests he can change laws at will, which is troubling for democracy.
  3. The response from American companies about TikTok may indicate their willingness to support authoritarianism over legal standards. If they prioritize profit over the law, it could weaken the spirit of democracy in the country.

February 9, 2025

Letters from an American • 25 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Constitution Legislation Judiciary Political parties
  1. The Second Amendment is seen by some as essential for protecting all rights, but the right to vote for lawmakers is really the foundation of our freedoms.
  2. Despite having the power to change laws, some leaders are choosing to make decisions without involving Congress, which undermines democratic processes.
  3. There's a growing concern that certain individuals, like Elon Musk and political leaders, are trying to consolidate power for their own interests, which could harm public services and protections for citizens.

A Solon, a King, or a Tyrant?

Gideon's Substack • 28 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Executive Power Political theory Elections Authoritarianism
  1. There are different views among Trump's supporters about what kind of leader they want him to be. Some see him as a potential king or tyrant, while others hope he can restore the republic.
  2. Many believe that Trump’s use of executive power might lead to a significant change in the American political system. This has sparked concerns about whether it could evolve into a form of dictatorship.
  3. It’s important to recognize the differences among supporters' visions for America’s future. Understanding these differences can help shape the opposition's strategy moving forward.

January 28, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Electoral Politics Civil Service Executive Power Foreign Aid
  1. Trump's Project 2025 aims to turn federal agencies into places with loyal supporters instead of nonpartisan civil servants. This plan seeks to expand presidential power and promote a strong executive control over the government.
  2. The new rules from Trump's administration allow him to remove civil service protections for many federal workers, forcing them to follow his orders or risk losing their jobs. This is seen as a significant threat to the independence of federal agencies like the Department of Justice.
  3. The Trump administration has paused federal grants and loans, creating uncertainty for many programs that aid communities. Critics argue this move undermines important services and threatens lives, showing a blatant disregard for laws established by Congress.

How a German Philosopher Predicted the War for D.O.G.E.

From the New World • 118 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Legitimacy Administrative state Executive Power
  1. Carl Schmitt's ideas focus on the importance of political legitimacy and how decisions can bypass normal rules during emergencies. This shows how power can shift unexpectedly during crises.
  2. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how government agencies can act without typical oversight, leading to questions about their legitimacy and effectiveness. It highlighted the tension between authority and accountability.
  3. Efforts to improve government efficiency often run into existing bureaucratic processes that hinder progress. New ideas, like the proposed Department of Government Efficiency, face challenges from established norms and resistance to change.

Links to Consider, 11/22/2024

In My Tribe • 349 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Regulation Mental health Social media Executive Power
  1. There are situations where the law isn't followed as written, and officials can create their own rules. This can lead to them only helping those who know how to navigate these unofficial processes.
  2. Some experts believe that a more advanced society might need less democracy, with more reliance on specialized knowledge and secrecy. This suggests a shift away from traditional democratic values.
  3. Social media can amplify extreme voices, which affects how society views issues and political figures. It mixes up the way we see our neighbors and can deepen divisions.

OSD 299: What a president can do

Open Source Defense • 56 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Rights Executive Power Political culture Legislation
  1. Historically, pro-gun presidents haven't made major changes once in office. This shows that having the right president isn't always enough for gun rights.
  2. The president can still take meaningful actions to support gun rights, but many of these require working with Congress. Some changes can be done alone, but they're often not pursued.
  3. Eventually, culture and technology around gun rights will matter more than politics. Even if presidents don't act, gun rights may keep growing thanks to shifts in public opinion and advances in tech.

On “Disagreement” and the Presidential Power to Adjourn Congress

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 16 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Executive Power Political theory
  1. The president has a constitutional power to adjourn Congress, but this power has never been used before. It's a rare and complex topic with many possible interpretations.
  2. If the president tries to adjourn Congress without proper disagreement between the House and Senate, it might not be seen as valid. Both houses need to clearly express their disagreement for it to count.
  3. Using this presidential power could lead to a serious constitutional crisis. The Senate could ignore a presidential adjournment, causing confusion and potential court challenges.

The Construction of a Dictatorship in the United States

Christopher Falcon • 78 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Surveillance Civil Liberties Executive Power Democratic Values Constitutional Rights
  1. Technocratic totalitarianism is a government system where tech experts, not elected officials, make decisions for the population.
  2. The FISA courts, created by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, have been criticized for lack of transparency and potential constitutional rights breaches.
  3. The NDAA signed by Obama in 2012 allowed for indefinite detention of American citizens without trial, raising concerns about erosion of civil liberties.

More on the anti-empire amendment

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jun 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Military Executive Power Congress
  1. Limiting military deployment without a declaration of war can reduce the chances of entering unnecessary conflicts. This means fewer soldiers would be put at risk without Congress's approval.
  2. If Congress declares war, it gives the President more power, but if no declaration exists and military action is taken, the President loses some legislative influence. This balances the powers between Congress and the President.
  3. The proposed amendment aims to discourage both Congress and the President from engaging in military actions lightly, promoting accountability and encouraging the end of wars when necessary.

If you like it so much, you defend it

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 24 Feb 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Executive Power Legislative Process Civil Rights Policy Debate
  1. It's okay for a president to not defend a law they think is unconstitutional. It doesn't mean they're ignoring it, just that they don't want to fight for it in court.
  2. Not enforcing a law is very different from not defending it legally. Not enforcing can lead to big problems, but not defending doesn't change how the law is followed.
  3. If the government believes a law is unconstitutional, it might be better for supporters of that law to find different lawyers to defend it, as the government might not do a good job of it.

Executive Power: A quick note from the Kagan hearing

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 29 Jun 10
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power War Powers
  1. The Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) is very vague and does not provide clear guidance on presidential power, making it problematic to rely on for decision-making.
  2. The Youngstown test divides presidential power into three categories, but using the AUMF as proof of Congress's authorization raises questions about its true validity and support.
  3. To strengthen Congress's control over presidential powers, it's suggested to have all presidential powers expire at the end of each Congress, so they can be re-evaluated and voted on anew.

Executive sidestepping

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 24 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Legislative Process Policy Making Constitutional Law
  1. The president has to follow legal authority and can't act like a king. His power comes from the Constitution or laws made by Congress, so saying he's sidestepping Congress isn't really correct.
  2. Executive power in domestic policy mostly comes from Congress giving it to the president. This means he can't make decisions that go against what Congress has already decided without specific permission.
  3. Congress can take back powers it has given to the president whenever it wants. If lawmakers don’t like what the president is doing, they can change the laws to restrict his authority.

Ten years burning down the road

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 26 Oct 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Liberties Legislation Executive Power Public Policy
  1. The Patriot Act has become normal to many people, making it easy for society to overlook its implications for personal freedom and privacy. Most citizens don’t see how it impacts their lives until a specific incident brings it to light.
  2. The sunset clauses in the Patriot Act allow Congress to limit executive power, which is a crucial step to avoid handing over unchecked authority. Regularly reviewing and renewing powers could keep the balance between safety and liberty in check.
  3. There's a concern that administrations, like Obama’s, have made enhanced security measures a standard practice, similar to how Eisenhower accepted the New Deal. This acceptance can make it harder to roll back such policies in the future.

More on Perry's Plan: A Whig Perspective

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 16 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Executive Power Judiciary Political Reform Government Structure
  1. Rick Perry's plan may weaken Congress and enhance the President's power. This could lead to a more politicized judiciary and shift more influence to the executive branch.
  2. Reducing congressional staff but not staff in the Executive Office of the President could create an imbalance of information and power. This means the President might have an advantage in legislative discussions.
  3. Cutting staff could hurt Congress's ability to properly oversee the executive branch. This is important because effective oversight helps keep power in check and ensures the government serves the people.

Whigging out

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 30 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Executive Power Political strategy Legislative Process
  1. Congress has the power to shape its own support systems, like the Congressional Budget Office, but if they weaken these tools, they risk giving more power to the President.
  2. It’s tough for Congress to challenge the President directly because the President has a unified message and strong public support, making it hard for Congress to counter effectively.
  3. Congress can either centralize power to act more decisively or expand its capacity to gather information, but these approaches often conflict and can create internal tensions within the legislature.

In Which A Whig Thinks About Recess Appointments

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 04 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Filibuster Congress Political strategy
  1. There are two key ideas at odds when it comes to government appointments: keeping Congress involved in appointments and ensuring that the government runs smoothly even when Congress is out of session. Both are important for a functioning democracy.
  2. The way Congress operates today is very different from when the Constitution was written. Shorter breaks and more frequent sessions mean that the need for recess appointments isn't as pressing as it once was.
  3. There's still confusion about what exactly counts as a 'recess' for making appointments. Different interpretations can lead to a lot of disagreement and may shift power between the presidency and Congress.

Recess Redux

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 06 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Institutional change Executive Power
  1. Recess appointments raise complex questions. They involve legal, ethical, and political issues that often don't connect neatly with each other.
  2. The conflict between what is allowed constitutionally and what seems right normatively creates challenges in how appointments should be handled.
  3. Current political actions could lead to changes in how power is shared between the presidency and Congress. This might make future appointments more contentious.

Recess appointments: watch what you cite...

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 09 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Executive Power Political Debate Government Institutions
  1. Recess appointments can be confusing because the Constitution is not clear on them. Different people can have different opinions about whether they're legal or not.
  2. Debate about recess appointments is important for democracy. Hearing various viewpoints helps everyone understand the issues better.
  3. Opinions from the Justice Department about recess appointments shouldn't be seen as the final word. They are mainly arguments that support the executive branch and can be challenged by others.

You down with OLC?

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 12 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Executive Power Political strategy
  1. The Office of Legal Counsel released an opinion about recess appointments, arguing that recent ones were made during a valid recess. They believe this argument is important for transparency.
  2. OLC opinions are more like legal arguments rather than binding court rulings, meaning they aren't laws. Different interpretations exist, which could lead to future conflicts or legal challenges.
  3. Political players, including the President and Congress, are engaging in strategic maneuvers over recess appointments. This could damage established norms and affect how politics is conducted in the future.

The Great Recess-ion

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 13 Jan 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislative Process Executive Power Constitutional Law Political parties
  1. Right now, we have a unique situation where different parties control the House and Senate. This makes it tricky for the government to function smoothly and affects how appointments are made.
  2. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a new agency, which means there are rules about how people can be appointed that differ from other roles. This complicates filling important positions.
  3. Recess appointments aren't as powerful as many think. They can be strategic tools for presidents, but using them can also limit their long-term influence, especially when it comes to judicial appointments.

King's pawn opening

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 13 Feb 12
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political strategy Executive Power Budgeting Political Influence
  1. Being the first to propose an idea helps you influence others. If you share your plan early, people are more likely to agree with you before they even think of alternatives.
  2. Once a group agrees on something, it’s hard for them to change their minds. Even if people might prefer another option, they will often stick with the first idea because it's already been accepted.
  3. People who didn’t propose the idea will focus on making small changes instead of suggesting a new plan. This means that the original proposer still holds significant control over the main idea.

FIVE POINTS: Wake Me Up When September Ends

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 25 Aug 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Negotiation Executive Power Political strategy Disaster Response
  1. In September, Congress will be discussing critical issues that could impact American politics, including raising the debt limit and government funding.
  2. President Trump's approach to legislation seems risky, as he publicly criticizes party members instead of working with them to achieve goals.
  3. During natural disasters, presidents often struggle to be effective leaders because they can't engage directly at the local level like a mayor can.

FIVE POINTS: A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 31 Aug 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Executive Power Political strategy Bipartisanship
  1. A shift to bipartisan negotiations means Congress is moving away from sharp party lines. This kind of negotiation can help bridge gaps but also brings new challenges and demands from different political groups.
  2. There are key must-pass items coming up, like the debt limit and appropriations. These need to be handled carefully to avoid major political clashes, and there's a chance they could create an easier deal for all involved.
  3. The White House is struggling to control the political agenda due to various external events and internal mismanagement. This has made it hard for them to stay focused and effectively promote their policies.

FIVE POINTS: You Can't Always Get What You Want

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 12 Oct 17
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Legislation Political Leadership Judiciary
  1. The idea that a president has complete control over the executive branch is a myth. In reality, they often have to work hard to get their policies implemented, and Trump's administration has struggled with this.
  2. Being smart isn't enough to succeed in politics. Leadership and the ability to connect with people matter much more than having high intelligence.
  3. Changing the judiciary takes time and can't happen overnight. Even if Trump gets a few judges confirmed, truly reshaping the federal courts typically requires much longer than two years.

FIVE POINTS: The Art of the Steel

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 09 Mar 18
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Foreign Policy Executive Power
  1. Most of the president's power comes from laws written by Congress, not from the Constitution. This means Congress can take some powers back whenever they want.
  2. The White House often makes big decisions without consulting experts or lawmakers, which can lead to messy outcomes. This shows the importance of collaboration in policymaking.
  3. As elections approach, Congress members become more cautious about tough votes. Many of the hardest decisions may actually happen now, not in the fall when elections are coming.

Let's Get Ready To Rumble

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 May 19
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Executive Power Constitutional Law Political Conflict Public Opinion
  1. Political conflict is normal in a democracy, and we shouldn't be afraid of it. The U.S. system encourages disagreements between branches of government as a way to check power.
  2. Congress has the most control and authority, but it often faces challenges in maintaining that power. It can keep the president in check, but it struggles to fund itself properly.
  3. Public opinion is very important in political battles. Congress and the president respond to public views, using them to gain support or avoid backlash when pushing their agendas.