Trump Presidency: Expansion of Neustadt’s Theory of Presidential Power

• In Event: Poster Session: Presidents and Executive Politics & Public Policy
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Presidents and Executive Politics

Abstract

More than 30 years ago, Richard Neustadt wrote, "Presidential power is the power to persuade," as part of his seminal work on the leadership of the modern president. Neustadt's theory in "Presidential Power and the Modern Presidents" asserts that the power to persuade, public prestige, and professional reputation characterize the power and leadership of the modern American president. Is Neustadt's theory applicable for today's modern president? More importantly, can it further our understanding of the phenomenon of the Trump presidency?
The groundbreaking election and presidency of Donald Trump has far-reaching impact on our political landscape, systems and processes. His election was surprising, in part, because of his limited to no public service or government experience. Consequently, political observers have noted that Trump, as president, has a different style and approach to the presidency. His communications style, method of persuasion, approach to bargaining with Congress and the executive branch, and his public battle with the media and political insiders, may be re-shaping the modern presidency and testing Neustadt's theory of presidential leadership.

Since Neustadt’s work, the president’s role has expanded in the American political system. We expect the president to lead in both domestic and foreign issues. With a greater expectation of presidential leadership, the president must use every available tool of presidential power. Is it that Trump has a different style and approach to achieve the presidential power Neustadt characterizes of an effective leader? Or is it that we need to expand on Neustadt theoretical framework in order to assess the modern president’s leadership and power?
This paper will re-examine the theory and practice of presidential leadership. It will consider the events and decisions of President Trump to assess his power and leadership. It will address the question, how is Trump affecting the political systems and processes, and, in doing so, which of the three traits described in Neustadt’s theory (power to persuade, public prestige, professional reputation) does he possess (or lack) to give him the power to lead and be effective?

Author

• Herma Percy, American Public University