Executive orders, from George Washington’s first directive on, have been pivotal throughout US history. However, President Trump has used executive orders to advance his agenda in a more aggressive way than any president before him, prompting, at times, legal challenges and judicial intervention.
In the first 100 days of his presidency, Donald Trump issued more executive orders than any previous US president. His executive actions are wide-ranging: addressing issues from the water efficiency of appliances; imposing tariffs on foreign nations; and attempting to end birthright citizenship, to name just a few. His orders have attempted to reshape government policy, sparking widespread debate.
The US Constitution does not explicitly grant the president the authority to issue executive orders. So what is the source of that power? This video delves into the historical context and utilization of executive orders, their legal standing, and the checks and balances on their use.
FEATURING
Jessica Levinson, Professor of Law, Loyola Law School
PRODUCED BY
Paul Detrick
VIDEO & MOTION GRAPHICS BY
Muriel Rebora
NARRATOR
Adam Taylor
THUMBNAIL ART
Jonathan Hurtarte
SENIOR PRODUCER
Andrew Satter
STORY EDITOR & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Josh Block
THANK YOU
Kimberly Robinson
Lydia Wheeler
To contact the producer on this story:
To contact the senior producer responsible for this story: Andrew Satterat asatter@bloombergindustry.com; to contact the executive producer responsible for this story: