Many Republicans, including Senators Rick Scott and Josh Hawley, support President Trump’s efforts to reduce the size of the federal government, particularly the executive branch. They believe that the bureaucracy has become too bloated and that the government should adhere more closely to the Constitution. Despite initial concerns about Trump potentially becoming a dictator, his administration has focused on making the executive branch more efficient and reducing waste. Former Trump attorney Jim Trusty believes that Congress shares some responsibility for excessive spending but highlights their control over the purse as a key factor.
Representative Celeste Maloy from Utah expressed concern about the executive branch becoming too powerful, stating that it has been growing for decades. She believes that there is an opportunity to address this issue by shrinking federal agencies, and commended President Trump for taking steps to cut back the executive branch. The trend of Congress relinquishing some of its power to the executive branch has been ongoing for centuries, with critical changes occurring in the 19th century. Sarah Binder, a professor of political science, attributes this shift to a combination of crises and electoral considerations that have led lawmakers to delegate certain powers to the president.
Former assistant US attorney Andy McCarthy distinguishes between the executive branch and the administrative state, highlighting the autonomy of independent agencies like the SEC and FTC despite being part of the executive branch. He notes that statutes and court decisions restrict the president’s ability to remove agency officials, making it challenging for Trump to pare back the bureaucracy. McCarthy points to a Supreme Court decision in Humphrey’s Executor vs. United States, which limits the president’s authority to fire officials from quasi-legislative or quasi-judicial bodies. Overruling this decision could significantly expand the president’s power over federal offices.
One mechanism that gives the president greater control over government workers is “Schedule F,” which classifies certain employees as at-will. This classification allows for easier removal or layoffs of federal workers, with critics arguing that it gives the president too much power in political roles. However, supporters believe that expanding “Schedule F” would lead to a more efficient government and reduce bureaucratic waste. The Trump administration’s efforts to streamline the executive branch reflect broader Republican concerns about the growth of the federal government and the need for increased efficiency. While some lawmakers have expressed reservations about the concentration of executive power, many support measures to trim back the bureaucracy and ensure greater adherence to constitutional principles.
