Trading barbs with governors about their powers over when to ease restrictions on society, the president made an assertion that lacks a basis in the Constitution or federal law.
WASHINGTON — President Trump’s claim that he wielded “total” authority in the pandemic crisis prompted rebellion not just from governors. Legal scholars across the ideological spectrum on Tuesday rejected his declaration that ultimately he, not state leaders, will decide when to risk lifting social distancing limits in order to reopen businesses.
“When somebody’s the president of the United States, the authority is total,” Mr. Trump asserted at a raucous press briefingon Monday evening. “And that’s the way it’s got to be.”
But neither the Constitution nor any federal law bestows that power upon Mr. Trump, a range of legal scholars and government officials said. Continue reading.