House Republicans Attempt to Expand Trump’s Executive Powers Through Tax and Border Security Bill

In a bold legislative maneuver, the House Judiciary Committee recently unveiled a draft bill aimed at drastically extending former President Donald Trump's executive powers, disguised as a tax and border security proposal. This initiative represents a striking shift in the authority dynamics among federal agencies, potentially empowering the executive branch at the expense of independent regulatory entities like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The proposed legislation would shift antitrust enforcement from the FTC to the Department of Justice, effectively allowing Trump—or any future president—to dictate antitrust measures through executive orders. This change could dismantle the FTC, an agency renowned for its confrontations with monopolistic corporations, and replace its critical role with a politically influenced system. Additionally, the draft bill mandates congressional approval for all new federal regulations, which could stifle the implementation of rules designed to protect consumers and the environment. Under this bill, if Congress does not approve agency rules within five years, they would automatically lapse, providing a pathway for Republicans to dismantle regulatory frameworks that they oppose. Republican Representative Kevin Hern emphasized that while the approach may be controversial, he believes it reflects historical practice that hasn’t previously gained traction due to concerns about executive overreach. Critics argue that this plan is emblematic of Congress’s declining duty to provide checks and balances against executive authority, particularly under Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership. This legislative proposal also raises alarms concerning the implications for antitrust enforcement in tech and other industries where competition is paramount. As Alvaro Bedoya pointed out in a recent X post, if this bill passes, the executive branch would wield considerable power over regulatory actions that could harm both the economy and consumer interests. In a separate but equally concerning development, reports regarding Donald Trump’s diplomatic dealings highlight alleged incompetencies in the realm of international negotiation, particularly with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. The Trump administration’s agreements for deporting Venezuelan nationals to El Salvador, in exchange for high-ranking MS-13 members, demonstrate a seemingly misguided approach to immigration policy. As experts warn, Trump's reliance on controversial bargaining practices may hinder diplomatic relations and exacerbate security concerns. Within the context of the recent chaos surrounding Trump's administration, the juxtaposition of relaxed immigration enforcement and an aggressive regulatory rollback illustrates a broader trend of undermining institutional integrity. For democracies, the implications of legislative maneuvers that shift power so dramatically towards the executive branch are profound; if unchecked, resistance to this trend may become increasingly challenging.