The role and authority of the presidency have evolved significantly throughout American history, with the expansion of presidential power accelerating under FDR. Since his administration, each successive president has sought to position the office as the dominant force within the federal government. Many factors have contributed to this trend, including expanded emergency powers granted after 9/11, the increased use of executive orders, the interpretive role of federal agencies in implementing legislation, and diminishing public trust in Congress.

Many predict the second Trump administration will seek to leverage all these powers and usher in a significant expansion of executive branch authority. What can we learn from his previous term and what do experts expect from Trump 2.0? And what are the implications for the business sector?

This webinar will offer an insightful analysis of the evolving balance of power in the federal government. Topics include:

• Expanding Influence: How the executive branch is expanding its influence and what this means for businesses and our democratic institutions.
• Checks & Balances: The role of Congress, the courts, and the public in maintaining checks and balances.
• Impact on Stakeholders: Practical steps businesses can take to align with stakeholder priorities while navigating potential challenges.

Speakers:

• James Wallner, senior fellow at the Foundation for American Innovation, where he writes about the separation of powers, Congress, political parties, and the federal policy process. James was a senior fellow at the R Street Institute and the Group Vice President for Research at the Heritage Foundation. He spent over a decade on Capitol Hill earlier in his career working in senior positions in both the House of Representatives and Senate.
• ‍Elizabeth Goitein, Senior Director, Liberty & National Security Program, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law. Goitein is a nationally recognized expert on presidential emergency powers, government surveillance, and government secrecy. Previously, Goitein served as counsel to Sen. Russ Feingold, chair of the Constitution Subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and as a trial attorney in the Federal Programs Branch of the Civil Division of the Department of Justice.