Donald Trump's Record-Breaking National Emergencies: The Unprecedented Use of Emergency Powers to Shape Policy and Law

1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:06,808 Donald Trump 's Record - Breaking National Emergencies : The Unprecedented Use of Emergency Powers to Shape Policy and Law 2 00:00:07,808 --> 00:00:10,253 The Habit of National Emergencies : A Pattern of Power 3 00:00:11,253 --> 00:00:17,741 Since taking office for his second term , President Donald Trump has made a habit of declaring national emergencies . 4 00:00:18,741 --> 00:00:25,933 This pattern of behavior raises questions about the limits of executive power and the role of Congress in emergency situations . 5 00:00:26,933 --> 00:00:35,277 In the US , declaring a national emergency is an extraordinary measure that unlocks enhanced powers contained in 150 different provisions of law . 6 00:00:36,277 --> 00:00:42,957 These laws give the president authority to take actions beyond what Congress has authorized in nonemergency situations . 7 00:00:43,957 --> 00:00:53,336 This can be a tempting tool for presidents who want to implement policy without sufficient support from Congress or when Congress has prohibited certain actions . 8 00:00:54,336 --> 00:00:59,864 The concept of national emergencies dates back to World War I , and it evolved organically over time . 9 00:01:00,864 --> 00:01:07,608 However , this organic nature turned out to be a problem because there was no overarching law that governed the process . 10 00:01:08,608 --> 00:01:18,563 It was n't until the 1970s , when Congress enacted the National Emergencies Act , that a time limit was placed on emergency declarations without renewal by the president . 11 00:01:19,563 --> 00:01:25,027 The NEA also gave Congress the power to terminate an emergency declaration using a legislative veto . 12 00:01:26,027 --> 00:01:30,723 However , in 1983 , the Supreme Court held that legislative vetoes are unconstitutional . 13 00:01:31,723 --> 00:01:40,259 Today , if Congress wants to terminate an emergency declaration , it must pass a law with a veto - proof supermajority , which is almost impossible . 14 00:01:41,259 --> 00:01:43,896 So , how far can the president go with emergency powers ? 15 00:01:44,896 --> 00:01:55,619 Some laws seem reasonable on their face , but others seem alarming , such as taking over or shutting down communications facilities or freezing assets of individuals deemed a threat . 16 00:01:56,619 --> 00:01:58,360 The International Emergency Economic Powers 17 00:01:59,360 --> 00:02:05,336 Act allows the president to make it illegal for anyone to engage in financial transactions with that person . 18 00:02:06,336 --> 00:02:11,352 President Trump 's use of emergency powers has raised concerns about the potential for abuse . 19 00:02:12,352 --> 00:02:17,176 Some argue that Congress made a mistake by leaving these laws in place without safeguards . 20 00:02:18,176 --> 00:02:26,851 They believe it is time for a reckoning , and for Congress to reform the process of national emergency declarations and terminate them when necessary . 21 00:02:27,851 --> 00:02:38,894 The current situation with President Trump 's emergencies is making its way through the courts , and the question remains whether his actions meet the legal standard for an ' emergency . ' 22 00:02:39,894 --> 00:02:44,270 The US trade deficit with China , for instance , has been a status quo for decades . 23 00:02:45,270 --> 00:02:52,014 However , by declaring it an emergency , Trump unlocks special authorities that would n't otherwise be available to him . 24 00:02:53,014 --> 00:03:03,992 While some might see this as a necessary measure to address pressing issues , others believe that Congress should put limits and safeguards on these powers to prevent abuse of authority . 25 00:03:04,992 --> 00:03:15,459 The case against Trump 's use of national emergencies serves as a reminder that the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches is crucial in times of crisis . 26 00:03:16,459 --> 00:03:22,627 The US has a long history of declaring emergencies to address various crises , from wars to economic downturns . 27 00:03:23,627 --> 00:03:30,499 However , the current situation highlights the need for greater scrutiny and accountability when it comes to these powers . 28 00:03:31,499 --> 00:03:42,926 As the country navigates this complex issue , it is essential to consider the potential implications for future emergency declarations and the role of Congress in preventing abuse of authority .