The Dangers of Unchecked Executive Power on Democracy

By Monroe Law

Democracy doesn’t vanish overnight. It fades under the weight of unchecked executive power, secretive government orders, and a populace numbed by relentless disinformation. During his time in office, former President Donald Trump pushed the boundaries of executive authority, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape the nation’s democratic structure today. One of the most glaring examples of this expansion of power was his disregard for the Supreme Court case Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo—a move that set the stage for an alarming concentration of executive control.

The Power Grab: What Did Trump Do?

Under the banner of “restoring a government that answers to the people,” Trump issued an executive order that effectively curbed the independence of government agencies. The executive order, titled “Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Reins in Independent Agencies to Restore a Government that Answers to the American People”, sought to override agency discretion and place power directly under the executive branch. This maneuver undermined long-standing democratic safeguards by weakening agencies that serve as checks on executive overreach.

How Did Trump Undermine Democratic Institutions?

Trump’s administration systematically worked to consolidate executive power in several ways:

1. Dismissing Judicial Precedent – By defying the implications of Loper Bright, Trump disregarded judicial checks meant to limit executive interference in agency regulations.
2. Centralizing Control Over Agencies – His executive order forced agencies to answer directly to presidential authority, reducing their independence.
3. Weakening Regulatory Oversight – By stripping agencies of their ability to enforce regulations independently, corporate and political interests gained unprecedented influence.

Where Did This Power Expansion Take Place?

This wasn’t limited to a single aspect of government. Trump’s reach extended into various key areas:

• Environmental Protection: Rolling back EPA powers to enforce clean air and water standards.
• Financial Regulation: Weakening agencies like the CFPB, reducing oversight on predatory banking practices.
• Public Health: Undermining CDC autonomy during the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting messaging to fit political narratives rather than scientific findings.

Why Should Americans Be Concerned?

Unchecked executive power is a direct threat to democracy. When government agencies lose their autonomy, they become tools of the executive rather than defenders of the public. This shift can lead to:

• Policy decisions that serve political and corporate interests rather than the public good.
• A weakening of democratic checks and balances, making it harder to hold leaders accountable.
• A dangerous precedent for future presidents to further consolidate power.

A Story of Overreach: When a President Shapes the Law

Consider the case of a whistleblower at the EPA who tried to expose corporate pollution violations. Under previous administrations, the EPA had the power to act swiftly. But after Trump’s restructuring, the case was stalled, manipulated, and eventually dismissed—leaving citizens exposed to environmental hazards. This real-world example demonstrates how undermining agency independence has direct, harmful consequences on American lives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Didn’t Trump’s executive order just streamline government bureaucracy? A: While his administration framed it as eliminating inefficiency, in reality, it removed necessary oversight, making agencies less accountable to the public and more susceptible to political interference.

Q: How does this differ from past presidential actions? A: Other presidents have influenced regulatory agencies, but Trump’s aggressive push to dismantle their independence went beyond normal precedent, actively undermining democratic institutions.

Q: Can these changes be reversed? A: Yes, but it requires significant legislative action, judicial reinforcement, and public advocacy to restore agency independence.

Questions Every American Should Ask

• If a president can override agency independence, what stops them from eroding other democratic institutions?
• How can we ensure that future administrations respect checks and balances?
• What role does Congress play in preventing executive overreach, and are they fulfilling it?
• If the people are meant to be in charge of a democracy, why is so much power being funneled to the executive branch?

Take Action: Stay Vigilant, Stay Informed

The Cassandra Report is dedicated to exposing the threats to American democracy and mobilizing citizens to take action. Here’s how you can help:

• Stay Informed: Follow reputable sources and fact-check political claims.
• Engage in Advocacy: Support organizations fighting for government accountability.
• Vote Strategically: Elect representatives who prioritize democratic integrity.

Join the conversation. Follow The Cassandra Report to stay updated on the fight for democracy.