Corey Robin, author of the new political analysis 'American Struggle,' argues in a recent interview with NPR that the presidency has evolved into an institution of unchecked authority under the current administration. Robin’s work traces the trajectory of executive power, contrasting the modern presidency's ability to act unilaterally with the legislative constraints of the past.
Robin specifically points to the administration’s reliance on executive orders and the 'unitary executive theory' as evidence that the office has fundamentally changed. He argues that this shift undermines the system of checks and balances that has defined American governance for centuries.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive lawmakers and legal scholars largely agree with Robin’s assessment. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts stated, 'We are witnessing a slow-motion coup where the executive branch is systematically eroding the separation of powers.'
Critics on the left argue that the expansion of power is a direct threat to democratic institutions. They point to the use of emergency declarations to bypass Congress on budgetary matters and the pardon power being utilized for political expediency.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators and Republican lawmakers counter that Robin’s concerns are overstated. Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio retorted, 'The author ignores that Congress has failed to pass a budget for two years. The president is simply exercising the powers granted by the Constitution to govern when the legislative branch is paralyzed.'
Proponents of the administration's actions argue that the expansion of presidential authority is a necessary response to a hostile political environment. They maintain that using executive orders is a standard and effective tool for implementing policy goals.
What the Numbers Show
According to the American Presidency Project, the current administration has signed 234 executive orders in the first 100 days of office, a 15% increase compared to the previous administration's first 100 days.
A Pew Research Center poll conducted in February 2026 indicates that 55% of registered voters believe the president has too much power, while 40% say the balance is about right and 5% believe the president has too little power.
Legal scholars note a 40% increase in the use of 'proclamations' and 'memoranda' versus formal executive orders since 2017, suggesting an evolution in how the White House bypasses traditional administrative channels.
The Bottom Line
The legacy of this period may be a permanent normalization of the expanded presidency. Whether viewed as a necessary tool for governance or a dangerous threat to democracy, the structural changes made during this era are likely to remain in place for future administrations.
Political analysts predict that regardless of who holds the office in 2028, the precedent set by the current administration regarding executive authority will be difficult to roll back.