“Trump, Presidential Power and the Constitution”

Session Submission Type: Full Paper Panel

Session Description

The first three years of the Donald J. Trump presidency have unquestionably challenged the Constitution, democratic institutions, and established notions of the rule of law. Among the many questions raised by the Trump administration are: How has Trump used the policy tools of the administrative presidency to pursue his policy goals? How does the “unitary executive” theory still undergird Trump administration decision making? What unique challenges are confronted by a White House Counsel advising a president who generally rejects limits on his ability to maneuver? And how will the president’s disdain for certain norms impact the leadership approach of his successors?

In this panel, contributors will place these questions into their proper context by identifying how (or whether) any of these events are unique to the Trump administration, and what the likely long-term consequences might be for the president and his successors.

Sub Unit

• Theme Panel

Cosponsor

• Division 23: Presidents and Executive Politics

Individual Presentations

• Presidential Power and Trump's Administrative Presidency - Rachel Augustine Potter, University of Virginia; Andrew C. Rudalevige, Bowdoin College; Sharece Thrower, Vanderbilt University; Adam L. Warber, Clemson University

• The Trump Administration and the Unitary Executive Theory - Jeffrey Crouch, American University; Mark J. Rozell, George Mason University; Mitchel A. Sollenberger, University of Michigan, Dearborn

• President Trump and the Norms of the Presidency - James P. Pfiffner

• Serving as White House Counsel to President Trump: Challenges and Choices - Nancy Kassop, SUNY New Paltz

Chair

• Jeffrey Crouch American University

Discussants

• Chris Edelson American University

• Mark E. Rush Washington and Lee University