Ed Markey, Trump, and the Limits of Election Rhetoric

Sen. Ed Markey didn’t wake up one morning seized by a sudden desire to protect the delicate architecture of American federalism. His Senate resolution condemning President Trump’s remarks about “nationalizing” elections is, without question, a political act. It’s meant to draw contrast, mobilize a base, and frame Republicans as hostile to democratic norms heading into…

The Great Trade Shuffle

Well folks, just when you thought you’d seen it all, President Trump went and did that thing again — you know, the one where he lights a fire and then rushes in with a garden hose, saying, “Relax, I’ve got it under control.” Yesterday, Trump abruptly hit pause on his blanket tariffs for most countries…

Trump and Recess Appointments

The possibility of President-elect Donald Trump using recess appointments to bypass Senate confirmation and fill his Cabinet has sparked heated debate. Recess appointments, a tool enshrined in the Constitution, allow a president to temporarily fill positions when the Senate is not in session. While this strategy has been used by presidents of both parties, its…