I have mixed feelings about this. The southern border needs to be secured. And as C-in-C, the president has the duty to protect the country from foreign invasion.
But the fundamental role of the US president is to execute policy, not to determine policy. Congress determines policy.
Bottom line: What a mess! I suppose Trump should act here. But make no mistake about it. Such an action will move the marker towards the Imperial Presidency end of the scale.
Congress determines policy.Unfortunately, Congress has long since abandoned the practice of developing policy with the well-being of their constituents in mind.
In fact, most legislation is drafted by lobbyists. Who loath any attempts to inhibit open borders.
Can Trump pass an EO that stops aid to Mexico?
Can Trump pass an EO that stops aid to Mexico?
Isn’t Congress aiding the enemy?
You’re not making any sense. Congress has enacted thousands of laws at the federal level, the president is well within his purview to declare a national emergency to effect that these laws are carried out. That’s his job, in fact, because he is the commander in chief, the chief executive, the justice department and a gazillion other federal agencies are headed by the president.
It is true there have been a series of feckless asshats occupying the White House for decades, and Americans have become inured to a spineless, ineffectual congress and worthless administrators at every level, state, local as well as federal.
A large number of the many serious issues facing the nation are essentially self inflicted or the result of a long line of people failing their sworn oath of office. It may not be an easy job, but it is pretty simple. The best part of the Trump era has been exposing how many worthless &$@ks in both parties there really are. It is staggering. There are some fine legislators and public servants, but not enough of them. It is a scandal of epic proportion and is intolerable.
The executive branch constitutionally holds the power to declare a national emergency. Trump’s lawyers have briefed him regarding this.
Think of terror attacks, pandemics, natural disasters, foreign invasion...all of these the president has the constitutional authority to declare a national emergency and deploy the military.
Well within his powers.
Congress already voted for a wall. The issue is funding.
But the fundamental role of the US president is to execute policy, not to determine policy. Congress determines policy.
Never forget that Trump is different and a patriot.
Inquiring minds want to know.