How the Next Democratic President Must Spend Their First 24 Hours in Office

"in the first 24 hours of their time in office. That means embracing the maximalist vision of executive power that Trump has established to undo the damage that he is currently inflicting. Trump has amassed vast new powers for the president, and the next Democrat in the White House simply cannot surrender them. That would be unilateral disarmament, and a disservice to the country."

"What he or she needs to do instead is wield those powers aggressively for good, repair everything that's broken, help the people Trump has hurt, and push forward with their own goals. How does that cash out? First, let's remember that the Supreme Court has now effectively granted the president authority to impound federal funds duly appropriated by Congress and to abolish federal agencies established and funded by Congress."

Immediate, decisive executive action is essential for national recovery. The next Democratic president should embrace the expanded executive powers that emerged under Trump and use them to undo harms and advance protective policies. These powers include authority over funding and agency structure that the Supreme Court has effectively recognized. Retaining and redirecting those powers prevents unilateral disarmament and preserves leverage to restore norms, assist harmed communities, rebuild institutions, and pursue reform. Repair requires both aggressive use of executive authority and attention to constitutional constraints created by recent judicial decisions.

Read at Slate Magazine