Article II
The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. ...
The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States...
He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
...
[He] shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States.
Use of Force
Since January 20, 2025:
- Iran
- Venezuela: boat bombings and capture of Maduro):
- Yemen: Air strikes against Houthi militants
- Counterterrorism Strikes in Iraq, Nigeria, and Somalia.
The president has a totally unchecked power to start a nuclear war. The process exists to authenticate the president's commands, not to challenge them.
Investigation and Prosecution
- James Comey: charges of making false statements to Congress and obstruction related to his 2020 testimony. The indictment was dismissed.
- John Bolton: indictment for alleged unauthorized retention and transmission of classified information.
- Letitia James New York Attorney General indicted in October 2025 on bank fraud and false statements charges. Case dismissed.
- Jerome H. Powell said DOJ as opened a criminal investigation into Powell; prosecutors are looking at cost overruns.Threats: Regulatory Action and Funding
- Universities and funding
- Law firms representing Trump adversaries: contracts
- Media companies and FCC license threats
Soft Power: "Power to Persuade"
Support from congressional Republicans and One Big Beautiful Bill
