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On GPS: Is Trump pushing the limits of his powers? | CNN Politics

The content at the URL "https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/29/politics/video/gps0629-trump-unitary-executive-presidential-power" is a video segment from CNN's "Fareed Zakaria GPS" that aired on June 29, 2025. The segment focuses on former President Donald Trump's advocacy for the "unitary executive theory" and its implications for presidential power. The video features an in-depth analysis by Fareed Zakaria, along with insights from various legal and political experts. Below is an extensive summary of the content presented in the video.

Fareed Zakaria begins the segment by introducing the concept of the unitary executive theory, which posits that the President of the United States has complete control over the executive branch, with no room for independent action by other executive officials. This theory has been a topic of debate among legal scholars and political analysts for decades, but it gained significant attention during Donald Trump's presidency due to his frequent assertions of expansive executive authority.

Zakaria explains that Trump's embrace of the unitary executive theory was evident in several of his actions and statements. For instance, Trump often claimed that he had the absolute right to fire any executive branch official at will, including those in independent agencies like the Federal Reserve. He also argued that he could direct the Justice Department to investigate his political opponents, a move that many saw as an abuse of power.

To provide a deeper understanding of the theory and its implications, Zakaria interviews several experts. The first is Professor Jack Goldsmith, a Harvard Law School professor and former Assistant Attorney General in the George W. Bush administration. Goldsmith explains that the unitary executive theory is rooted in Article II of the U.S. Constitution, which vests "the executive power" in the President. However, he notes that the theory has been interpreted in various ways over time, with some arguing for a more limited view of presidential power and others advocating for a more expansive interpretation.

Goldsmith points out that while the theory has been used by presidents of both parties to justify their actions, Trump's approach was particularly aggressive. He cites examples such as Trump's attempts to withhold congressionally appropriated funds for the border wall and his efforts to pressure the Ukrainian government to investigate his political rival, Joe Biden. These actions, Goldsmith argues, pushed the boundaries of the unitary executive theory and raised serious constitutional questions.

Next, Zakaria speaks with Professor Dawn Johnsen, a constitutional law expert and former Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel during the Obama administration. Johnsen emphasizes that the unitary executive theory, when taken to its extreme, can undermine the checks and balances that are fundamental to the U.S. system of government. She argues that Trump's actions, such as his attempts to interfere with the Mueller investigation and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, were clear examples of how the theory could be used to subvert democratic norms.

Johnsen also discusses the role of the courts in reining in presidential overreach. She notes that while the judiciary has historically played a crucial role in checking executive power, the Trump administration's frequent disregard for court orders and its attacks on the judiciary posed significant challenges. She cites the example of Trump's travel ban, which was initially blocked by the courts but later upheld by the Supreme Court, as a case where the administration's actions tested the limits of judicial authority.

Zakaria then turns to the political implications of the unitary executive theory. He interviews former Republican Congressman Charlie Dent, who served on the House Appropriations Committee. Dent argues that Trump's embrace of the theory was part of a broader strategy to consolidate power and weaken the legislative branch. He points to Trump's frequent use of executive orders and his attempts to bypass Congress on issues like immigration and trade as evidence of this strategy.

Dent also discusses the impact of Trump's actions on the Republican Party. He notes that while some Republicans supported Trump's aggressive approach to executive power, others were deeply concerned about the long-term implications for democracy. He cites the example of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, which he argues was a direct result of Trump's efforts to undermine the democratic process.

To provide a broader perspective, Zakaria interviews Professor Aziz Huq, a constitutional law expert at the University of Chicago. Huq argues that the unitary executive theory is not just a legal concept but also a political one, with significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. government. He notes that the theory has been used by presidents to justify actions that would otherwise be seen as unconstitutional, such as the use of military force without congressional approval.

Huq also discusses the role of public opinion in shaping the debate over executive power. He argues that Trump's actions, while controversial, were often supported by a significant portion of the public, particularly among his base. This support, he suggests, emboldened Trump to push the boundaries of executive authority even further.

In the final part of the segment, Zakaria reflects on the future of the unitary executive theory and its implications for American democracy. He notes that while Trump's presidency brought the theory into the spotlight, the debate over executive power is likely to continue long after his time in office. He argues that the next president, regardless of party, will face the challenge of navigating the complex legal and political landscape shaped by Trump's actions.

Zakaria concludes by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance of power in the U.S. government. He argues that while the President must have the authority to govern effectively, the Constitution's system of checks and balances is essential to preventing abuses of power. He calls on citizens, lawmakers, and the judiciary to remain vigilant in upholding these principles, even in the face of political pressure.

Overall, the video segment provides a comprehensive analysis of the unitary executive theory and its implications for presidential power, drawing on insights from legal experts, political analysts, and former government officials. It highlights the ways in which Trump's embrace of the theory challenged democratic norms and raised important questions about the future of American governance.

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[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/29/politics/video/gps0629-trump-unitary-executive-presidential-power ]