Story perspectives

Trump's Expansion of Powers Sparks Democracy Concerns

11/5/2025

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Center

Trump Expands Powers

U.S. President Donald Trump has adopted and expanded presidential powers from the Cheney era, especially in military and surveillance operations.
He has expanded drone strikes against narcotics traffickers, labeling them as 'enemy combatants' and justifying these actions without congressional approval, citing national security.
Critics say it mirrors Bush-era overreach.
Richard Cheney, the former U.S. vice president, has warned that Trump threatens democracy and urges constitutional integrity over partisanship.

Left

Lawyer Critiques Trump

A Justice Department–experienced lawyer criticizes U.S. President Donald Trump’s use of executive authority, especially military actions against suspected drug traffickers.
The piece questions Trump’s justifications, noting echoes of past overreach such as Torture Memos from the Bush era and Obama drone strikes.
It argues the Office of Legal Counsel enables unilateral decisions instead of providing a constitutional check, urging clear legal boundaries to deter extrajudicial actions.

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Trump Expands Powers

U.S. President Donald Trump has adopted and expanded presidential powers from the Cheney era, especially in military and surveillance operations.
He has expanded drone strikes against narcotics traffickers, labeling them as 'enemy combatants' and justifying these actions without congressional approval, citing national security.
Critics say it mirrors Bush-era overreach.
Richard Cheney, the former U.S. vice president, has warned that Trump threatens democracy and urges constitutional integrity over partisanship.

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