Super Presidency: Eight National Emegencies in 100 Days

CNN’s Fareed Zakaria is warning that President Trump’s frequent use of national emergencies is a risky move that could give the office of the president unchecked power, turning it into a “super presidency.” Trump has declared eight national emergencies in his first 100 days, setting a record according to the Brennan Center for Justice. The ability to declare emergencies has historically allowed presidents to bypass Congress and normal procedures, potentially infringing on civil liberties. While the National Emergencies Act of 1976 sought to impose limits on emergency powers, the Supreme Court’s ruling in 1983 actually expanded presidential authority. Both parties have utilized emergency powers to advance their agendas, with Trump’s administration setting new records for its use of emergency declarations. Calls for reforming the National Emergencies Act to limit the duration of emergency declarations have been made, but achieving this would require a supermajority in Congress, which seems unlikely given the current political divide. The lack of meaningful checks on presidential power from Congress and the courts raises concerns about the potential for a super presidency that could undermine America’s democratic system.