Overreach is the operative word when it comes to explaining the Trump administration, and it often involves violations of the law and the Constitution.
In so many alarming ways, Donald Trump is determined to recast the nation on his own terms, without resorting to the unitary executive theory. Chances are that, should things arrive at that critical point in American history when he invokes it, a doctrine rooted in an expansive interpretation of Article II of the Constitution that would grant the president sweeping executive authority, Congress and the Supreme Court would almost certainly come into play.
With all the congressional checks and balances currently nullified, the conservative court will undoubtedly follow suit. Such an approval would make it unduly possible for him to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, as well as members of the Federal Trade Commission and the National Labor Relations Board, should he choose.
We are witnessing his moves to place the 14th Amendment in jeopardy, denying citizenship and birthrights. And as we cast an eye down the road to the next presidential election, we should not be surprised that the 22nd Amendment would be the next target to extend his time in the Oval Office.
Much of this hangs in the balance of if, when and how the unitary executive theory is activated, and its outcome. If Congress and the courts give the go ahead, then all bets are off.