How Trump’s Second Term Dramatically Transformed Executive Power | WSJ

Executive Power & Policy - The report highlights a significant increase in the President's audacious use of executive power and the sheer number of policies pursued in the second term [3] - The administration focused on Middle East diplomacy, brokering a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, leading to hostage release and a ceasefire [6] - Emergency powers were used to deploy National Guard troops to crack down on crime and support deportation agendas [7] - The President targeted universities, law firms, cultural and media institutions, securing agreements for financial contributions or policy changes [8] - Aggressive trade agenda implemented, levying large tariffs globally to force negotiations [12] - Legal experts question the overreach in the expansive use of article 2 powers, sparking legal and congressional concerns [13] Political Influence & Control - The President appointed loyal leaders to the Department of Justice, leading to the ouster of officials deemed disloyal at the FBI and DOJ [9] - Efforts were made to suppress dissent from Congress, with success in passing legislation [10] - The President's attempt to prevent the release of the Epstein files was unsuccessful, marking a rare defiance from Congress [11] White House & Image - The President significantly redesigned the White House, including turning the Oval Office into gold and building a large ballroom funded by private interests [14][15]