Reports suggest that Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, is developing a comprehensive strategy to significantly enhance presidential control over government operations if he secures another term in the Oval Office.
Based on campaign policy drafts and discussions with individuals within Trump’s circle, it has been disclosed that Trump aims to assert direct presidential authority over autonomous agencies like the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission.
In addition, Trump has expressed intentions to reinstate the practice of “impounding” funds – withholding funds allocated by Congress for specific programs, a move previously prohibited during Richard Nixon’s presidency.
Furthermore, Trump has plans to rescind job safeguards for a large number of permanent civil servants, restructure intelligence agencies, and reform the State and Defense departments, purging officials he perceives as “the unhealthy political elite that despises our country.”
John McEntee, a former White House personnel leader instrumental in crafting the new plan, told The New York Times, “The president’s strategy ought to be fundamentally reshaping the federal government, a transformation not seen since FDR’s New Deal.”
He added that the existing executive branch, designed by liberals to propagate liberal policies, cannot operate conservatively. “Simply selecting the right personnel won’t suffice. What’s required is a comprehensive system reboot.”
The former president has already highlighted his grand scheme during campaign rallies and on his official campaign website.
Russell Vought, former director of the Office of Management and Budget under Trump and current head of the Center for Renewing America, said, “We aim to pinpoint the areas of autonomy and take control of them.”
Trump’s campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, stated that Trump has “unveiled an audacious and open plan for his next term, unlike any other candidate.”
“The electorate will be well-informed about President Trump’s strategies to revitalize the economy, curb inflation, secure our borders, safeguard communities, and permanently eliminate the deep state that opposes Americans,” Cheung added.
The Times reported that such ideas had been previously considered during Trump’s first term but were impeded by internal apprehensions.
John Kelly, Trump’s second chief of staff in the White House, warned that the proposed changes could create pandemonium. He said, “The continual attempts to push beyond his power would result in chaos, even though his devotees would support him. There would be a relentless clash with Congress and the judiciary.”
